About The Song
“Adalida” is an uptempo country song recorded by American country music artist George Strait. It was written by Mike Geiger, Woody Mullis, and Michael Huffman. The track was recorded on April 18, 1994, and included on Strait’s fifteenth studio album, Lead On, released on November 8, 1994, by MCA Nashville Records. The album was produced by Tony Brown and George Strait and received platinum certification from the RIAA for shipments exceeding one million copies in the United States.
The song was released as the third single from the album on March 20, 1995, with “Down Louisiana Way” as its B-side. It followed the number-one hits “The Big One” and “You Can’t Make a Heart Love Somebody,” as well as the title track “Lead On,” which peaked at number 7. “Adalida” has a runtime of 3 minutes and 36 seconds and incorporates zydeco influences, featuring accordion and a lively Cajun-style rhythm that distinguishes it within Strait’s extensive discography.
On the charts, “Adalida” debuted at number 72 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of March 25, 1995. It climbed to a peak position of number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. In Canada, it fared better, reaching number 2 on the RPM Country Tracks chart. This performance helped Lead On deliver four consecutive Top 10 singles, reinforcing Strait’s stronghold on country radio in the mid-1990s.
The album Lead On represented a shift toward more traditional country elements after previous releases with broader stylistic experiments. It entered at number 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and maintained strong positioning for weeks. By 1995, Strait had already accumulated numerous number-one hits and was recognized as a cornerstone of neo-traditional country music.
The song’s origin traces to a real encounter: George Strait met a young woman named Ida in his hometown of Poteet, Texas, shortly before performing at the local strawberry festival. The name “Adalida” was derived from this meeting and appealed to the songwriters. The lyrics depict an enchanting “Cajun queen,” incorporating Louisiana references such as Thibodaux, Lake Pontchartrain, and étouffée to evoke authentic regional atmosphere.
Though no significant controversies arose, the track’s energetic arrangement and Cajun flair made it a radio standout. The zydeco elements, including accordion and rhythmic drive, provided a fresh contrast to Strait’s typical honky-tonk offerings. Sources highlight how the song’s upbeat nature and Strait’s polished vocals contributed to its appeal among country audiences.
“Adalida” has endured as a popular selection in Strait’s concert setlists and demonstrates his versatility in incorporating regional sounds into mainstream country. Despite not reaching the top spot, its solid chart results in both countries supported the overall success of Lead On, adding to Strait’s legacy of consistent hit-making in the 1990s era.
Video
Lyric
[Chorus]
Adalida, pretty little Cajun queen
Sweet Dixie flower, the belle of the bayou
You’re every young man’s dream
Adalida, I’d walk through a hurricane
To stand beside you, sweet Adalida
I’d swim the Pontchartrain[Verse 1]
Oh no, here you comin’ down the road
With your cotton dress a-swishin’, you’re gettin’ some attention
From all the boys in Thibodaux
Oh my, you’re really fillin’ up their eyes
Smilin’ and a-winkin’, I know what they’re thinkin’
But I’m the only one who loves you so[Chorus]
Adalida, pretty little Cajun queen
Sweet Dixie flower, the belle of the bayou
You’re every young man’s dream
Adalida, I’d walk through a hurricane
To stand beside you, sweet Adalida
I’d swim the Pontchartrain[Verse 2]
Oh no, the hottest little dish I know
I know you can tell it, you’re makin’ me so jealous
From my head down to my toes
Oh me, you could make a redneck green
The way that you’re a-lookin’, you got me cookin’
And I ain’t talkin’ ’bout étouffée[Chorus]
Adalida, pretty little Cajun queen
Sweet Dixie flower, the belle of the bayou
You’re every young man’s dream
Adalida, I’d walk through a hurricane
To stand beside you, sweet Adalida
I’d swim the Pontchartrain[Outro]
To stand beside you, sweet Adalida
To stand beside you, sweet Adalida
Just to stand beside my sweet Adalida
I’d swim the Pontchartrain