Background
“Ocean Front Property” is a country song recorded by American country music artist George Strait. It was released in October 1986 as the first single and title track from Strait’s album of the same name. The song was written by Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter. It quickly became a major hit for Strait, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in February 1987 and solidifying his status as a leading figure in country music. The song’s success also further cemented the songwriting prowess of Dillon, Cochran, and Porter, who were already respected figures in Nashville’s songwriting community.
Musical Style
“Ocean Front Property” embodies the classic “neotraditional country” sound that was prevalent in the mid-1980s. This style, championed by artists like Strait, aimed to revive the core elements of traditional country music, such as honky-tonk and Western swing, while incorporating modern production techniques. The instrumentation in “Ocean Front Property” prominently features steel guitar, fiddle, and traditional country rhythm sections, creating a bright and danceable feel. Strait’s clear, resonant vocals, delivered with his signature effortless style, further enhance the song’s traditional country character. The tempo is upbeat and driving, perfectly suited for two-stepping and line dancing, which were popular social dances in country music culture at the time. The song’s production, while modern for its time, avoids the slick, pop-influenced sounds that had begun to creep into some country music in the early 1980s, staying true to a more organic and authentic country aesthetic.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Ocean Front Property” tell the story of a heartbroken man trying to convince his former lover that he is unaffected by their breakup. He employs sarcasm and blatant lies to portray an image of indifference, claiming to have “ocean front property in Arizona,” a geographical impossibility that highlights the absurdity of his claims. This central metaphor serves as a humorous and poignant way to express the deep pain he is trying to mask. Lines like “I got some ocean front property in Arizona/From my front porch you can see the sea/I’ve got a big yacht with a mermaid named Lorretta/And she’s gonna sail away with me” exemplify the song’s use of outlandish imagery to convey the protagonist’s feigned nonchalance. The verses build upon this theme, with each line presenting a more exaggerated falsehood about his newfound wealth and happiness. However, beneath the surface of the sarcastic humor, there’s a palpable sense of vulnerability and longing. The listener understands that the protagonist’s over-the-top pronouncements are a defense mechanism, a way of coping with the pain of rejection. The chorus reinforces this idea with lines like “If you’ll believe that, you’ll believe anything,” acknowledging the absurdity of his own claims and subtly hinting at the true depth of his emotions. It’s this blend of humor and heartbreak that makes the lyrics so compelling and relatable.
Cultural Impact
“Ocean Front Property” had a significant impact on country music. Its commercial success helped solidify the neotraditional country movement, reaffirming the audience’s appetite for authentic country sounds and themes. The song’s popularity also further elevated George Strait’s career, establishing him as a consistent hitmaker and a leading voice in the genre. He would go on to become one of the most successful country artists of all time, often credited with helping to preserve the traditions of country music during a period of significant stylistic shifts. Beyond its commercial success, “Ocean Front Property” became a cultural touchstone within country music. Its humorous and relatable lyrics resonated with listeners who had experienced heartbreak and loss, and the song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo made it a staple of country radio and dance halls. The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its continued inclusion in Strait’s concert setlists and its frequent appearances on country music compilations and radio broadcasts. The phrase “ocean front property in Arizona” even entered the popular lexicon as a humorous way to describe an obvious falsehood or exaggeration, further demonstrating the song’s cultural penetration. The song also helped to solidify the careers of its songwriters, Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter, who continued to write hit songs for numerous country artists. “Ocean Front Property” showcased their ability to craft clever, relatable lyrics that resonated with a wide audience, further solidifying their place in country music history.
Themes
Several key themes emerge in “Ocean Front Property”: Heartbreak and Loss: The song explores the emotional aftermath of a romantic breakup, capturing the protagonist’s attempt to cope with rejection and pain. Denial and Deception: The lyrics depict the protagonist’s use of humor and exaggeration to mask his true feelings, highlighting the human tendency to deny uncomfortable emotions. Sarcasm and Humor: The song employs sarcasm as a coping mechanism, using outlandish claims to deflect the pain of heartbreak and create a humorous tone. Resilience and Moving On: Despite the underlying sadness, the song ultimately suggests a desire to move on from the relationship, albeit in a somewhat defiant and humorous manner. Masculinity and Emotional Expression: In line with traditional country music themes, the song touches upon the complexities of masculine emotional expression, where vulnerability is often masked by humor and bravado.
Conclusion
“Ocean Front Property” remains a beloved and influential song in country music. Its blend of humor, heartbreak, and traditional country instrumentation solidified its place as a classic. The song’s enduring popularity testifies to its timeless themes, relatable lyrics, and George Strait’s iconic performance. It not only cemented Strait’s status as a country music superstar but also contributed significantly to the resurgence of neotraditional country music in the 1980s. Its impact extends beyond the commercial realm, as the song’s memorable lyrics and catchy melody continue to resonate with listeners across generations, solidifying its place in the cultural fabric of country music. More than just a catchy tune, “Ocean Front Property” offers a glimpse into the complexities of human emotion, using humor and exaggeration to explore the universal experiences of heartbreak, denial, and the struggle to move on. Its lasting legacy ensures that it will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated for years to come, reminding us of the power of country music to tell stories that connect with our lives on a deeply emotional level.