Introduction
George Strait’s “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” originally appeared in August 1996 as the third single from his album Blue Clear Sky, penned by Nashville songwriters Aaron Barker and Erv Woolsey, with production by Tony Brown and George Strait . The song swiftly became a standout in Strait’s extensive repertoire, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart .
The narrative unfolds as a poignant phone call between a rodeo cowboy and his partner. He’s remorseful over his long absence, but she coldly reveals she’s found someone new “who sure ain’t no Rodeo man.” In response, the cowboy quietly accepts her departure—“but it’s alright, baby, if I hurry I can still make Cheyenne”—choosing to uphold his rodeo commitment rather than stay . The song’s minimalist yet emotionally resonant arrangement—fiddle, steel guitar, and Strait’s understated delivery—lent it lasting impact .
Its enduring fame led to inclusion on Strait’s compilation 50 Number Ones and—most relevant here—a live version recorded at the Houston Astrodome, featured on his 2003 live album For the Last Time: Live from the Astrodome . This concert, held on March 3, 2002, marked the final show ever held in the historic Astrodome, making the recording especially significant .
In this live rendition, the emotional stakes of the song are heightened by the dramatic context—a farewell performance in a legendary venue. Strait’s measured yet heartfelt singing underscores the cowboy’s internal conflict, and the audience’s palpable reaction adds a poignant layer to the tracking. It remains a compelling testament to the authenticity of country storytelling and the enduring pull of the rodeo life portrayed in the song.