Woodward Maurice Ritter, famously known as Tex Ritter, is well-known for his acting career and his songs. He is one of the pioneers of American country music, and because of his impact on the industry, he became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Let’s dive into some of Tex Ritter songs to learn more about them.
1. I’m Wastin’ My Tears on You
Written by Frank Harford, Tex Ritter‘s “I’m Wastin’ My Tears on You” is one of his songs that topped the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It stayed at the #1 spot on the country chart and stayed on the chart for a total of 20 weeks. Tex released the single on October 1944.
2. The Wayward Wind
Originally sung by Gogi Grant in 1956, “The Wayward Wind” denotes the urge to travel and explore places. The track is often covered by male musicians, including Tex, who chose to sing it in a first-person POV than the original third-person POV.
Tex’s song version ranked #28 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
3. When You Leave, Don’t Slam the Door
In September 1946, Tex released another country music song entitled “When You Leave, Don’t Slam the Door.” The piece tells about a man’s feelings when he knew his partner cheated. It also mentions how he wanted his former woman to leave, pack her suitcase, and not slam the door when she left.
Tex’s song climbed to 3rd on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
4. The Men in My Little Girl’s Life
Tex recorded another November 1965 cover titled “The Men in My Little Girl’s Life.” The piece was sung initially by Mike Douglas, and it was written by Eddie Dean, Mary Candy, and Gloria Shane. Tex’s version took the 50th spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
5. There’s a New Moon Over My Shoulder
“There’s a New Moon Over My Shoulder” is a track by Tex released in October 1944. It was the B-side to his #1 song, “I’m Wastin’ My Tears on You.” Since the song’s release, covers by Jimmie Davis, Bill Haley & His Comets, Wanda Jackson, and Larry Sparks have been released for the public to enjoy.
6. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?
From the musical film Sing, Neighbor, Sing, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?” is a song written by Scotty Wiseman for the film. The track, originally performed by Lulu Belle and Scotty, has been covered by numerous famous musicians such as Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Little Jimmy Dickens, Willie Nelson, and Tex Ritter.
Tex’s version, however, climbed to the 3rd spot on the US country chart.
7. You Will Have to Pay
“You Will Have to Pay” was Tex’s final #1 song. It was released in November 1945, and it climbed to the top of the US country chart and stayed there for three weeks.
The track mentions how one will most likely have to pay for their mistake one day. It hints at the thought that what goes around comes because of the pain one caused another. Even though it might take longer, it will eventually come.
For You
8. The Americans (A Canadian’s Opinion)
“The Americans (A Canadian’s Opinion)” is originally a commentary written by Gordon Sinclair. The piece was written for a broadcast when it became famous because it was repeatedly played on radio stations. The song pertained to the generosity of the Americans when others were faced with disasters, yet they were alone whenever they were in times of crisis.
Tex’s version of “The Americans (A Canadian’s Opinion)” was released a few weeks after his death. His cover ranked 35 on the US country chart.
9. You Two-Timed Me One Time Too Often
Released in July 1945, Tex’s “You Two-Timed Me One Time Too Often” was his second song to hit the top spot on the US country chart and stayed for 20 weeks.
The song mentions a cheating partner who ultimately broke his heart. The man refuses to accept her apology and ends their relationship because of what he realizes.
10. Rock and Rye
When you’re feeling down or stressed because of life’s challenges, Tex says to get some rest and drink “Rock and Rye.”
Tex and Edith Bergdahl, and Frank Harford co-wrote the track. It reached the 5th spot on the US country chart.
11. Jealous Heart
Several musicians, including Tex Ritter, have recorded “Jealous Heart.” He released his version in December 1944, spending 23 weeks on the country and western chart. It peaked at the #2 spot. Since then, many artists have covered the song, including Ivory Joe Hunter, Ernest Tubb, and Connie Francis. There is also a Spanish version of “Jealous Heart.”
12. Long Time Gone
“Long Time Gone” is a song co-written by Tex with Bonnie Dodd. The song was released in 1946. It mentions how your once favorite and deeply loved person will not hesitate to end the relationship when cheating is involved.
13. The Deck of Cards
First popularized by T. Texas Tyler, “The Deck of Cards” was another rendition released by Tex in late 1948. The song is about an American soldier who was arrested for the penalty of playing cards during church. Several covers have been released since the song’s first recording.
14. Christmas Carols by the Old Corral
Tex, in 1946, released “Christmas Carols by the Old Corral” to add more songs to be enjoyed during the holiday season. The piece mentions activities during Christmas, such as singing Christmas carols, exchanging greetings, opening gifts, and celebrating joyful times with the family.
15. I Dreamed of a Hill-Billy Heaven
Tex’s “I Dreamed of a Hill-Billy Heaven” was released in 1961. The song peaked at the 5th spot on the US country chart.
Tex chose to remember his close friends through this song. This is because the song lyrics contain names of his “ole compadres,” such as Carson Robison, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Johnny Horton. Towards the song’s end, a few other names were also mentioned.
Although we have only seen a few chart-topping Tex Ritter songs, they were surely remembered by his fans and avid listeners as massive hits and the most remarkable piece.
