Cody Johnson：Meaning of What's Left Of Texas? Songmeaning

"What's Left of Texas" is a song by Cody Johnson that touches upon themes of change, loss, and the diminishing traditional values in Texas. The lyrics tell the story of a narrator reflecting on their hometown and how it has transformed over time. The song begins by describing how a Walmart Supercenter now sits on the field where the narrator used to bale their daddy's hay and where they used to ride horses. It symbolizes the intrusion of new developments and commercialization on the land and the loss of the rural landscape they once knew. The song then laments the demolition of the narrator's grand-dad's old house and the disappearance of old landmarks that held sentimental value. This signifies the erosion of familial connections and heritage. Cody Johnson highlights the removal of important aspects of Texas culture, including faith, music, and film. The lyrics mention the removal of God's name from schools, the disappearance of iconic country music artists like Robert Earl Keen and Waylon Jennings from radio stations, and the replacement of traditional western film heroes like John Wayne with movies like "Brokeback Mountain." The song suggests that these changes are eradicating the essence of Texas and its values. The loss of cultural pillars and the transformation of the landscape reflect the narrator's frustration and concern about what is being left of Texas for future generations. Overall, "What's Left of Texas" narrates the consequences of modernization, commercialization, and the changing cultural landscape on the traditional values and identity of Texas. It mourns the loss of old ways and laments the perceived erosion of what made Texas special to the narrator.