Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” continues its reign on the Billboard charts, marking its fourth week at No. 1 on the Hot 100. This achievement sets a new record for the longest run at the top by a woman who too reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Previously tied with Taylor Swift’s 2012 hit “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” at three weeks atop the Hot 100, Langley now holds the record outright. She has surpassed the three-week chart dominance of Beyoncé’s 2024 hit “Texas Hold ‘Em,” as well as Dolly Parton’s “Islands in the Stream” (with Kenny Rogers, 1983) and “9 to 5” (1981), which each spent two weeks at No. 1.
“Choosin’ Texas” has also maintained its position at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart for 17 weeks and currently leads the Streaming Songs chart.
Co-written by Langley, Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor, the song tells the story of a woman unintentionally leading her boyfriend back into the arms of his ex-girlfriend after a trip from Tennessee to Texas.
The song is filled with lyrical references to both states. Billboard breaks down the mentions of Texas and Tennessee within “Choosin’ Texas.”
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Abilene: Texas
A city located in west central Texas, famously referenced in George Hamilton IV’s 1963 No. 1 country hit “Abilene.” It’s the destination Langley takes her love, immediately regretting the move.
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Two-Steppin’: Texas
A nod to the Texas Two Step, a line dance popular in Texas and beyond, gaining significant traction after the 1980 film Urban Cowboy. “Choosin’ Texas” is in a 4/4 time signature, making it ideal for dancing.
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Jack: Tennessee
A shorthand reference for Jack Daniel’s, a frequently mentioned brand in country music, featured in songs by artists like Eric Church, Chase Rice, and Jon Pardi.
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“Smoky Mountain Rain”: Tennessee
A reference to Ronnie Milsap’s 1980 No. 1 song “Smoky Mountain Rain,” about a man traveling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to reunite with a lost love.
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Memphis Blues: Tennessee
A nod to the blues music style that originated in Memphis, Tennessee, in the early 1900s, particularly on Beale Street, with artists like W.C. Handy, Rufus Thomas, Junior Parker, and B.B. King.
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“Amarillo by Morning”: Texas
A reference to a beloved song about a rodeo cowboy, popularized by George Strait in 1982, and considered a country classic.
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“East Bound and Down”: Texas
Jerry Reed’s 1977 hit from the movie Smokey and the Bandit, about illegally transporting beer to Texarkana, Texas, and later revived in the HBO show Eastbound & Down.
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I-40: Tennessee and Texas
Interstate 40, a major highway that runs east-west across the USA, passing through both Tennessee, and Texas.
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Lone Star State: Texas
The nickname for Texas, referencing the single star on the Texas flag, adopted in 1839.
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Final Count
Texas: 6 references
Tennessee: 4 references
Worth a look