Introduction
“Living and Living Well” originally appeared as the second single from George Strait’s 2001 album The Road Less Traveled, released on February 4, 2002. Written by Tony Martin, Mark Nesler, and Tom Shapiro and produced by Tony Brown alongside Strait, the song blends heartfelt lyricism with neotraditional country polish. It narrates how authentic happiness — “living well” — comes from sharing life with someone special rather than going it alone
The single became a significant hit: reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in June 2002, and crossing over to reach No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100
A standout rendition of the song came during Strait’s historic March 3, 2002 performance at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, held in the iconic Astrodome. That night drew 68,266 paid attendees, setting a new record for the venue just before it closed . The show was recorded and released as the live album For the Last Time: Live From the Astrodome on February 11, 2003, marking Strait’s first official live album.
In the Astrodome live version of “Living and Living Well,” Strait’s warm, genuine vocals resonate within the cavernous stadium, reinforcing the song’s core message about the deeper fulfillment that comes from companionship. Fans and critics alike recalled its performance as emblematic of Strait’s ability to elevate album favorites into powerful live moments
Summary:
“Living and Living Well” is a beautifully written reflection on life and love, given new breadth and emotional impact through George Strait’s record-setting Astrodome live performance. From studio single to stadium showcase, the song emphasizes that “living well” means sharing life’s best moments with someone you love — and Strait’s renditions, both recorded and live, ring with that timeless truth.
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