5 Iconic Texas Music Videos

Texas is known for its vast, varied landscapes and distinct cultural identity, and some of music’s biggest stars have recognized the unique character it brings to their videos. From haunting highways to quirky suburban settings, Texas has played a role in creating unforgettable visuals for songs across genres. Here’s a list of five music videos that didn’t just feature Texas—they made it a central part of the story.

Get our free mobile app

1. "Rock the Casbah" by The Clash

The Clash took to Austin to film "Rock the Casbah," infusing their punk anthem with Texas charm. With scenes shot around Austin landmarks, including a former Burger King on Guadalupe Street and the old City Coliseum, the video captures the Austin of the early ‘80s with a humorous, Texan twist. The pairing of punk music and quirky Texas locales left an indelible mark on fans of both.

2. "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

R.E.M.’s emotional ballad “Everybody Hurts” found a perfect setting in the Texas sun. Filmed on San Antonio’s I-10 highway, the video captures people in standstill traffic, lost in thought. With the searing Texas heat providing a poignant contrast, the visuals complement the song’s heavy themes of human struggle and resilience, making for one of the most unforgettable images in music video history.

3. "Pancho & Lefty" by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard

It doesn’t get more Texan than Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard singing about outlaws against a Texas backdrop. "Pancho & Lefty," filmed in the Texas Hill Country, features historic sites like Austin’s Alamo Hotel, which grounds this country classic in authentic Texas terrain. The Hill Country’s rugged landscapes highlight the song’s story of friendship and betrayal between two outlaws, making it essential viewing for country fans.

Get our free mobile app

4. "The Suburbs" by Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” video, directed by the legendary Spike Jonze, takes viewers into the neighborhoods of Austin. This indie-rock hit focuses on the complexities of suburban life and the feeling of isolation that can exist within sprawling, uniform neighborhoods. The Austin suburbs help to visualize the song’s themes, turning an ordinary place into a thought-provoking scene of youthful rebellion and introspection.

5. "Telephone" by Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé

Lady Gaga and Beyoncé’s cinematic video for “Telephone” includes a few Texas-shot scenes, adding to the video’s Americana vibe. The desert and diner shots feel straight out of a gritty, Texas-themed road movie. While primarily filmed in California, these Texas scenes lend an extra touch of wild drama that meshes perfectly with the video’s bold, high-energy style.

From the quiet Texas Hill Country to the bustling highways of San Antonio, these music videos demonstrate Texas’s versatility and allure as a filming destination. Each artist found a way to let Texas’s landscapes and spirit deepen their stories, showing just how powerful this state can be in the world of music. Next time you watch one of these classics, keep an eye out for the Lone Star State’s unmistakable cameo!