Song Information
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Title: The Chair
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Artist: George Strait
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Writers: Hank Cochran & Dean Dillon
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Album: Something Special
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Release Date: August 26, 1985
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Label: MCA Records
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Genre: Country
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Producer: Jimmy Bowen & George Strait
Released as the lead single from the album Something Special, The Chair became one of George Strait’s signature songs. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remains a fan favorite for its clever lyrics and smooth delivery. Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran reportedly wrote the song in under 20 minutes during a songwriting session that also produced several other classics.
Song Meaning
The Chair tells the story of a man approaching a woman in a bar—but in a way that’s refreshingly charming and disarming. Instead of using a pickup line, he starts with a simple observation: “Well, excuse me, but I think you’ve got my chair.” From there, a natural, flowing conversation begins, unfolding over the course of the song with no chorus, no repetition—just a perfectly crafted monologue that feels like you’re eavesdropping on a real-life moment.
The brilliance of the song lies in its simplicity. George Strait’s calm and conversational delivery makes the lyrics feel intimate and real. As the conversation progresses, the listener realizes that the “chair” was never the point—it was just an excuse to strike up a connection.
This is more than a flirtation—it’s a masterclass in storytelling. The Chair doesn’t rely on dramatic hooks or vocal runs. Instead, it draws you in with sincerity, subtlety, and old-fashioned charm. It shows how country music can turn the smallest moment into a lifelong memory.
Why Was the Chair So Important?
At first glance, the song seems like a casual bar encounter—but fans have long debated whether The Chair is really about romance, fate, or something deeper. Why does a simple chair feel so symbolic?
Some listeners believe the chair represents opportunity—the idea that sometimes, all it takes is one brave moment to change your life. Others see it as a metaphor for vulnerability: the man uses the chair to introduce himself, but as he keeps talking, his true intentions are revealed—not lust, but connection.
There’s also a sense of nostalgia in how the story is told. It feels like a memory—maybe this was how someone met the love of their life. Maybe it’s a story told to children years later. The conversational tone makes it universal. Everyone has had that one moment where they worked up the courage to speak first—and wondered if it would lead somewhere special.
In live performances, George Strait often smiles during this song, as if he knows the secret behind the lyrics: it’s not really about a chair. It’s about the beginning of something unforgettable.