That's Right
Lyle Lovett Lyrics

You say you're not from Texas
The singer acknowledges that the person is not from Texas.

Man as if I couldn't tell
The singer is suggesting that it's obvious the person is not from Texas.

You think you pull your boots on right
The singer is implying that the person may not know how to wear boots like a Texan.

And wear your hat so well
The artist is suggesting that the person may not know how to wear a hat like a Texan.

So pardon me my laughter
The artist apologizes for laughing at the person.

'Cause I sure do understand
The singer relates to the person.

Even Moses got excited
The singer is using a Bible reference to emphasize that even someone great like Moses got excited about something.

When he saw the promised land
The artist is using a Bible reference to emphasize the idea that people can get excited about something they love or aspire to have.

That's right you're not from Texas
The artist is reiterating that the person is not from Texas.

But Texas wants you anyway
The artist is emphasizing that Texas still accepts and values the person, despite not being from Texas.

See I was born and raised in Texas
The singer is discussing their personal connection to Texas.

And it means so much to me
The artist is expressing the meaningfulness of Texas in their life.

Though my girl comes from down in Georgia
The singer acknowledges that their significant other is not from Texas.

We were up in Tennessee
The singer is specifying their location or past experience.

She asked me baby what's so great
The singer is recounting a conversation where their partner asks about the appeal of Texas.

How come you're always going on
The artist's partner is inquiring about the artist's enthusiasm for Texas.

About your Lone Star State
The artist's enthusiasm is specifically for Texas as noted by its official nickname 'Lone Star State.'

Oh the road it looked so lovely
The singer recalls a moment of leaving someone behind, represented metaphorically by driving away on a road looking lovely.

As she stood there on the side
The person left behind is being identified as female.

And she grew smaller in my mirror
The artist is observing the person left behind shrinking in the rearview mirror as they drive away.

As I watched her wave goodbye
The artist saw the person waving goodbye as they departed.

Those boys from Carolina
The artist is referring to a group of people from North Carolina.

They sure enough could sing
The singer acknowledges the talent of the group from North Carolina.

But when they came on down to Texas
The artist is implying that the group from North Carolina was outperformed in Texas.

We all showed them how to swing
The singer is suggesting that Texans can show others how to do a certain activity or perform better at it.

Now David's on the radio
The singer refers to someone named David who is broadcasting on the radio.

And old Champ's still on the guitar
The singer mentions someone named Champ who still plays the guitar.

And Uncle Walt he's home with Heidi
The artist mentions an Uncle Walt who is at home with Heidi.

Hiding in her loving arms
The artist is suggesting that Uncle Walt is finding comfort in the embrace of Heidi.

They're OK in Oklahoma
The singer is acknowledging that people from Oklahoma are okay, but not superior to Texans.

Up in Arkansas they're fair
The singer acknowledges that people from Arkansas are fair, but not superior to Texans.

But those old folks in Missouri
The artist is making a joke about people from Missouri not being noticed or remembered.

They don't even know you're there
The artist is suggesting that people from Missouri don't pay attention to others who are not from their state.

But at a dance hall down in Texas
The artist is emphasizing the appeal of Texas dance halls.

That's the finest place to be
The singer is highlighting how Texas dance halls are better than other places to dance.

The women they all look beautiful
The artist is admiring the beauty of women at Texas dance halls.

And their men will buy your beer for free
The singer is highlighting a generous and friendly attitude of Texans at dance halls.

So won't you let me help you Mister
The singer is offering help to someone, likely to make them look more like a Texan.

Just pull your hat down the way I do
The singer is giving advice on how to wear a hat like a Texan.

And buy your pants just a little longer
The artist suggests that longer pants are more fitting for the Texas style.

And next time somebody laughs at you
The artist anticipates that someone could laugh at this person for not looking like a Texan.

You just tell 'em you're not from Texas
The singer is telling the person to simply acknowledge that they are not from Texas.

But Texas wants you anyway
The singer is emphasizing that Texas still wants and accepts the person despite their appearance or origin.