The 20 Best Songs Ever Written About Dallas

Jeff Scroggins

The Old 97's are bound to be on this list. But who will be No. 1?

So we've pulled together 20 of our favorite songs about Dallas, songs that are as diverse as the city and the people who live in it: blues, country, hip-hop, punk rock and rock 'n' roll. They're not always pretty, but when you put them all together, they represent something about what makes this place great.

See also:
50 Reasons to Be Thankful for Dallas Music
The 30 Best North Texas Albums of 2013: Part One

20. Sir Mix-a-Lot, "Jump On It"

Sir Mix-a-Lot is the greatest lyricist of all time. Why? Because when he put out this attempt at a club banger in 1996, he not only kicked everything off with a shout-out to Dallas, Texas, the 214 and the Cowboys, but even fucking Pappadeauxs. The dude pauses mid-song to rhyme about his love for a cajun food restaurant that's a micro-chain in Dallas. I mean, on a good day you can go with Ice Cube to Fat Burger if you want, but if I had the opportunity to grab a meal with a famous rapper, I'd choose splitting blackened opelousas with Mr. Baby Got Back. Jaime-Paul Falcon

19. They Might Be Giants, "Dallas (Trees)"

The legendary, brainy rockers have a catchy little jingle that really has nothing to do with the famed venue. Meant to be a tribute to '70s-era Yes, it's less than a minute long, but its melody easily gets in your head. Talking about walking in a forest, this is something to hum to whenever you walk around the place, hoping to get a good view of an indie rock act or metal band. For those who have had many great experiences at the venue, it's nice to know there's something associated with it other than, "that's the place where Nirvana played and Kurt Cobain got his ass kicked." Eric Grubbs

18. The Rolling Stones, "Rip This Joint"

This isn't a song about Dallas, per se, but its connection to the city is simply too good to overlook. This breakneck band-on-the-run song from the Stones makes a reference to going "Down to New Orleans with the Dixie Dean/ 'Cross to Dallas, Texas with the Butter Queen." The Butter Queen, as it so happens, was a real person -- a groupie from Dallas named Barbara Cope, known to rock stars of the day for her sexual proclivity for, well, butter. She also appeared in the Joe Cocker documentary Mad Dogs & Englishmen, but "Rip This Joint" is her definitive tribute. Jeff Gage

17. Mountain Goats, "Blues in Dallas"

You'd think that with all the name dropping of the Lone Star State in their lyrics, the Mountain Goats would be a Texas band. The Californian folksters have an album titled All Hail West Texas, for God's sake, an album recorded entirely on a boombox that features the simple "Blues in Dallas." An automatic electronic drumbeat, chords courtesy of a cheap Casio, and John Darnielle's trademark whisper delivery culminate in a song that, despite the name, really only has one direct reference to Dallas. Darnielle namechecks Dealey Plaza -- a great location if you're looking to visit Reunion Tower, check out some museums or assassinate a U.S. President. Matt Wood

16. Ben Kweller, "Falling"

Before he was a successful musician, Ben Kweller was a doctor's son from Greenville, Texas. From the first few notes, Dallas is clearly the backdrop of "Falling," even if most of the song is actually just Ben Kweller singing the word "falling" over and over again. It may have taken a backseat in his legacy to "Wasted & Ready," the massive hit single from 2002's Sha Sha, but "Falling" is still the soundtrack of many a Dallasite's angsty teen years. Upon re-listening, it's almost impossible to resist the impulse to paint your nails black and grow out your bangs. Amy McCarthy