Background
“Ocean Front Property” is a country song recorded by American country music artist George Strait. It was released in November 1986 as the third single from his album of the same name. The song was written by Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter. It quickly rose to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in early 1987, becoming one of Strait’s signature songs and a staple in his live performances. Its success further solidified Strait’s position as a leading figure in country music during the 1980s.
Musical Style
“Ocean Front Property” embodies the classic “neotraditional country” sound that defined George Strait’s music and the broader country music landscape of the mid-1980s. This style was a reaction against the more pop-influenced country music of the late 1970s and early 1980s. “Ocean Front Property” features prominent instrumentation that includes steel guitar, fiddle, and traditional country rhythm sections, providing a strong grounding in country music’s roots. The tempo is upbeat and danceable, characteristic of many honky-tonk and Western swing influences found in neotraditional country. Strait’s vocal delivery is clear, strong, and emotionally restrained, reflecting the straightforward storytelling style of traditional country music. The production avoids excessive studio effects, emphasizing the natural sound of the instruments and vocals. This clean and uncluttered production further enhances the song’s traditional country aesthetic. The song’s structure is straightforward, with clear verse-chorus patterns typical of country music songwriting, making it accessible and easy to follow for listeners. Overall, “Ocean Front Property” exemplifies the hallmarks of neotraditional country, contributing to the genre’s resurgence in popularity during the 1980s.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Ocean Front Property” tell the story of a heartbroken man trying to convince his former lover that he’s not upset about the breakup. He uses sarcasm and ironic humor to mask his true feelings. The central conceit of the song revolves around the repeated phrase “ocean front property in Arizona,” a blatant impossibility used to emphasize the absurdity of his claims. He asserts that he’s doing just fine, claiming to have “ocean front property in Arizona,” “a big diamond mine in the middle of downtown L.A.,” and that he’ll be “over her in a minute.” Each of these outlandish statements highlights the insincerity of his attempts to appear unaffected by the relationship’s end. The clever wordplay and the use of geographically impossible locations create a humorous contrast with the underlying pain of heartbreak. This juxtaposition of humor and sadness is a common theme in country music, allowing for emotional depth while maintaining a lighthearted tone. The chorus further underscores this irony, repeating the line “I’m doing alright, getting good grades,” a phrase that suggests youthful resilience but, in the context of the song, comes across as a thinly veiled attempt to hide his true emotions. Ultimately, the lyrics reveal the protagonist’s vulnerability despite his efforts to appear unaffected. He’s trying to convince himself as much as he’s trying to convince his former lover. The listener understands that beneath the bravado, he’s deeply hurt by the breakup. The song’s lyrical brilliance lies in its ability to convey this complex emotional landscape through simple, relatable language and humorous imagery.
Cultural Impact
“Ocean Front Property” had a significant cultural impact, solidifying George Strait’s status as a country music icon and contributing to the broader popularity of neotraditional country music. The song’s chart-topping success helped to establish Strait as a consistent hitmaker and a leading force in the genre. Its catchy melody and humorous lyrics resonated with a wide audience, crossing over into the mainstream and introducing many listeners to Strait’s music. The song’s popularity led to increased airplay on country radio stations, further exposing Strait’s music to a broader audience and influencing other aspiring country artists. The song’s success also helped to solidify the neotraditional country sound as a dominant force in the genre, pushing back against the pop-country trends of the previous era. “Ocean Front Property” became a staple of Strait’s live performances and remains a fan favorite, often included in compilation albums and greatest hits collections. Its enduring popularity has contributed to Strait’s legacy as one of the most important and influential figures in country music history. Furthermore, the song’s lyrical theme of using humor to mask heartbreak resonated with many listeners, becoming a relatable anthem for those experiencing similar emotional turmoil. The phrase “ocean front property in Arizona” entered popular culture as a humorous expression for something that is clearly untrue or impossible, demonstrating the song’s lasting impact on language and cultural references. Overall, “Ocean Front Property” had a profound impact on country music, solidifying George Strait’s career, influencing the direction of the genre, and leaving a lasting mark on popular culture. The song continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages and remains a testament to the power of well-crafted country music.
Conclusion
“Ocean Front Property” is more than just a catchy country tune; it’s a masterful blend of traditional country instrumentation, clever wordplay, and relatable emotional themes. Its success cemented George Strait’s place as a country music superstar and contributed to the resurgence of neotraditional country in the 1980s. The song’s enduring popularity, its continued presence in Strait’s live performances, and its entry into popular culture as a humorous saying all testify to its lasting impact. “Ocean Front Property” showcases the ability of country music to tell compelling stories, evoke complex emotions, and connect with audiences on a deep level. It remains a classic example of the genre at its finest, demonstrating the power of simple language, honest emotion, and a good dose of humor to create a truly timeless song. It serves as a reminder of the golden age of neotraditional country and continues to influence country music artists today.