The boys from North Dakota
They drink whiskey for their fun
And the cowboys down in Texas
They polish up their guns
And they look across the border
To learn the ways of love

If you love me, say I love you
If you love me, say I do
If you love me, say I love you
If you love me, say I do
And you can say I love you
And you can say I do

So I drank myself some whiskey
And I dreamed I was a cowboy
And I rode across the border

If you love me, say I love you
If you love me, take my hand
If you love me, say I love you
If you love me, take my hand
And you can say I love you
And you can have my hand

I remember in the mornings
Waking up
With your arms around my head
You told me you can sleep forever
And I'll still hold you then

Now the weather's getting colder
It's even cold down here
And the words that you have told me
Hang frozen in the air
And sometimes I look right through them
As if they were not there

And the boys from North Dakota
They drink whiskey for their fun
And the cowboys down in Texas
They polish up their guns
And they look across the border
To learn the ways of love

Overall Meaning

In "North Dakota," Lyle Lovett juxtaposes two kinds of men from two different states in order to comment on relationships and expressions of affection. The boys from North Dakota are tough and independent, drinking whiskey for fun, while the cowboys down in Texas are also tough and independent, polishing their guns. Lovett suggests that both groups look across the border to learn about love, indicating that despite their differing lifestyles, the two share a common connection when it comes to relationships.

The song’s refrain contains a strong message on communication within relationships. Lovett urges his partner to be clear in expressing their love, that just saying 'I love you' isn't enough. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the importance of communicating your feelings to your significant other, otherwise any doubts could lead the relationship to “hang frozen in the air.” Lovett even adopts the personality of a cowboy, dreaming about riding across the border while enjoying whiskey. The lyrics suggest that it is not just about being affectionate but expressing it aloud to one another.

Line by Line Meaning

The boys from North Dakota
North Dakota boys

They drink whiskey for their fun
Drinking whiskey is their way of having fun

And the cowboys down in Texas
Texan cowboys

They polish up their guns
Cleaning, maintaining their guns is their habit

And they look across the border
Peeking at the other side of the border

To learn the ways of love
Trying to learn love

If you love me, say I love you
Express your love if you love me

If you love me, say I do
Accept and commit to me if you love me

And you can say I love you
You can express your love to me

And you can say I do
You can accept me if you love me

So I drank myself some whiskey
I drank whiskey