Cody Johnson's song "Texas Kind of Way" is a heartfelt country ballad that reflects on the deep longing and nostalgia for a lost love. The lyrics describe the singer's travels to different places, such as Colorado, Oklahoma, New York, Detroit, and Montana, and how each place reminds him of the person he misses. The song starts with the singer in Colorado, feeling the coldness of the snow and longing for the warmth of his loved one by the fireplace. Then, he mentions Oklahoma, which reminds him of the books she used to read and its rich American history. Despite being in different locations, he can't escape the memories and the feeling of missing her. The chorus emphasizes how the singer sees reminders of her everywhere he goes in Texas. He mentions Houston, Matagorda Bay, 6th Street in Austin, and the rodeo in Santa Fe. These places trigger memories of their time together, and he laments the fact that no matter where he goes, he can't escape the longing in a "Texas kind of way." The following verses touch upon other cities and states, like New York and Detroit, portraying the vastness of his travels and the efforts he makes to move on from his memories. However, he realizes that continuously writing sad songs about her is no different from staying in Tennessee, as the memories persist. The song's bridge serves as a powerful climax, as the singer admits that no matter where he goes, the memories of his lost love will always haunt him. He feels as if he is imprisoned in Huntsville, a city in Texas known for its prison, emphasizing the inescapable nature of his longing. Overall, "Texas Kind of Way" is a beautifully melancholic song about the lingering impact of a lost love, demonstrating the universal theme of longing and the associations we develop with certain places and memories.
