George Strait – The Best Day

About The Song

“The Best Day” is a heartfelt country ballad recorded by George Strait for his twentieth studio album, Latest Greatest Straitest Hits, released on March 7, 2000, by MCA Nashville Records. The song was written by Dean Dillon and Carson Chamberlain, with production handled by Tony Brown and George Strait. It runs 3 minutes and 24 seconds and features a gentle acoustic arrangement with prominent fiddle and steel guitar, typical of Strait’s traditional country style.

The track tells the story of a father-son relationship through the eyes of a young boy whose father makes time for him amid a busy life—teaching him to drive a tractor, fish, and ride a horse—culminating in the realization that those ordinary moments were “the best day” of his life. The narrative is deeply personal, and Strait has noted that the song resonated strongly with him as a father. His son, George “Bubba” Strait Jr., appears in the music video and has been involved in Strait’s career over the years.

“The Best Day” was released as the lead single from the compilation album on February 7, 2000. It debuted at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and climbed to No. 1 on May 20, 2000, spending one week at the top. This marked Strait’s 35th No. 1 hit on the Billboard country chart at the time. The single also reached No. 1 on the Radio & Records country chart and No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, showing modest crossover appeal.

Latest Greatest Straitest Hits was a greatest-hits package that included four new tracks alongside previous chart-toppers. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 8 on the Billboard 200, eventually earning Platinum certification from the RIAA. Other new songs on the album included “Go On” (No. 5) and “If You Can Do Anything Else” (No. 4), but “The Best Day” became the standout hit.

Songwriters Dean Dillon and Carson Chamberlain were frequent collaborators with Strait; Dillon has co-written over 70 of Strait’s songs, including classics like “Ocean Front Property” and “The Chair.” The music video, directed by Michael Salomon, features Strait and his real-life son Bubba (then a teenager), depicting scenes of father-son bonding on a ranch. It premiered on CMT in early 2000 and became one of Strait’s most beloved visual pieces.

By 2000, George Strait had long been established as the “King of Country,” with this single adding to his unparalleled string of chart successes. “The Best Day” remains a staple in his live performances and is frequently cited by fans as one of his most touching songs, often evoking strong emotional responses at concerts.

Video

Lyric

We loaded up my old Ford
We hit a dirt road
Headed down to the fishing hole
I was just a kid
He was my best friend
And I was his little cowboy

He taught me how to drive that tractor
When the sun came up
And we’d be out there all day long
He’d say “Son, you’re doin’ fine”
And I’d say “Thanks, Dad”
And he’d smile that big ol’ smile

I had the best day
When I was with my dad
He made me feel like a man
Even when I was just a kid
Those were the best days
That I ever had

We’d ride the horses
Down by the creek
And he’d tell me stories
About the old days
How he met my mama
And how they fell in love
And how he knew I was comin’

He’d say “Boy, you’re gonna be
Somethin’ special one day”
And I’d say “Dad, I hope so”
And he’d say “I know so”
And we’d laugh and laugh
And ride on home

I had the best day
When I was with my dad
He made me feel like a man
Even when I was just a kid
Those were the best days
That I ever had

Now I’m all grown up
With a family of my own
But every now and then
When the kids are asleep
And the house is quiet
I think about those days

And I thank the Lord
For a dad like mine
Who took the time
To make me feel so fine
And I hope someday
They’ll say the same
About me

I had the best day
When I was with my dad
He made me feel like a man
Even when I was just a kid
Those were the best days
That I ever had