Introduction
Father and Son Harmonize a Western Legacy in Timeless Ballad: George Strait & Bubba Strait ~ “Arkansas Dave”
There’s something undeniably special when music becomes a family affair—when talent runs in the blood and a song becomes more than just lyrics and melody, but a bridge between generations. That’s exactly what we experience in George Strait & Bubba Strait ~ “Arkansas Dave”, a heartfelt and cinematic tribute that blends storytelling, tradition, and genuine Western spirit.
George Strait, known affectionately as the “King of Country,” has built his legacy on authenticity, discipline, and emotional storytelling. But in “Arkansas Dave,” he steps into a slightly different spotlight—this time sharing the stage with his son, Bubba Strait. The result is a track that feels less like a performance and more like a conversation between father and son, rooted in shared values and a mutual respect for the art of songcraft.
George Strait & Bubba Strait ~ “Arkansas Dave” tells the story of a gunslinger—mythical yet grounded, flawed yet revered. It plays out like a Western ballad should: slow and deliberate, unfolding with grit, heart, and just the right amount of mystery. Bubba Strait, a gifted songwriter in his own right, brings narrative depth to the lyrics. His voice blends seamlessly with George’s, adding a generational echo to the tale—proof that the Strait name isn’t just a legacy, but a living, breathing presence in country music.
The instrumentation is classic Strait: clean acoustic guitar, subtle fiddle, and a rhythm that rolls like a dusty trail. There’s no need for studio trickery or dramatic flair—just honest storytelling, the way country music was meant to be heard.
For longtime fans of George Strait and those who appreciate the timeless appeal of Western ballads, George Strait & Bubba Strait ~ “Arkansas Dave” is more than just a father-son duet. It’s a reminder that the best stories are the ones passed down, sung from one heart to another. And in this case, that tradition has never sounded more true.
Video
Lyrics
He rode up on a winter day
Steam risin’ off a streak face bay
Said you probably know my name
If you don’t it’s Arkansas Dave
He talked of fifteen years ago
And how he got the bay he rode
He said he killed a man in Ohio
First man he killed, first horse he stole
It was a long road for Arkansas Dave
He shot and left him where he laid
He said he’d never forget that winter day
He rode off on a streak faced bay
I stood up and I shook his hand
Told no one that I knew this man
Started thinkin’ of a plan
Bout how I’d deal him his last hand
Didn’t take him long to come unwound
He jumped up and gunned two men down
Ran outside to leave the town
But ole bay was nowhere to be found
I head out with my forty-four
And when he walked back through the door
I shot till I could shoot no more
And Dave Rudabough fell to the floor
It was the end of the road for Arkansas Dave
I shot and left him where he laid
I’ll never forget that winter day
I rode off on a streak faced bay
No I’ll never forget that winter day
When I rode home on Daddy’s streak face bay