About The Song
“Meanwhile” is a standout track recorded by American country music icon George Strait. It was released in January 1999 as the third and final single from his critically acclaimed album, Always Never the Same. The song was written by Wayland Holyfield and J.P. Pennington, two seasoned songwriters known for crafting hits that resonate with the traditional country audience. Upon its release, “Meanwhile” quickly climbed the charts, reaching a peak position of number 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It also made an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 38, which was a significant crossover success for a country ballad during that era.
The production of “Meanwhile” was handled by George Strait himself along with his long-time collaborator Tony Brown. The song is characterized by its smooth, melodic arrangement, featuring a prominent piano line and a polished string section that complemented Strait’s signature baritone. According to industry analysis from outlets like Songfacts and American Songwriter, the track represents the “polished traditionalist” sound that defined Strait’s late-90s output. It avoids the more aggressive “pop-country” tropes of the time, instead leaning into a sophisticated adult contemporary country vibe. Critics often note that while it wasn’t a number-one hit, it remains a fan favorite for its vocal restraint and emotional resonance.
The context of the song’s release is also noteworthy. In 1999, George Strait was already established as the “King of Country,” and “Meanwhile” helped solidify his dominance at a time when the genre was undergoing rapid commercial shifts. The lyrical content deals with the bittersweet realization of a former lover moving on with their life while the narrator remains stuck in the memory of the past. Music historians at uDiscover Music have highlighted that “Meanwhile” showcases Strait’s ability to interpret heartbreak without over-empathizing, a trait that has defined his decade-spanning career.
Technically, the song followed the success of previous singles from the album, including “I Just Want to Dance with You” and “We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This.” The Always Never the Same album was recorded at Emerald Entertainment in Nashville, Tennessee. “Meanwhile” benefited from the high-fidelity production standards of the late 90s, ensuring it sounded as clear on radio as it did on high-end home audio systems. Expert reviews from the time praised the track for its “timeless quality,” suggesting that it could have been a hit in the 70s or the early 2000s just as easily as it was in 1999.
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Lyric
I pack my bags and I’m out the door
I’m pretty sure I don’t want to see you no more
I’m on the highway, I’m making tracks
I’m gone for good and I’m never coming back
But meanwhile, back in my mind
I’m right there with you, I’m wasting my time
Yeah, meanwhile, back in my heart
I’m still in love with you, tearing me apart
I’m in the city, I’m in the street
I’m seeing people I don’t even want to meet
I’m doing fine now, I’m doing well
I’m making it through this living hell
But meanwhile, back in my mind
I’m right there with you, I’m wasting my time
Yeah, meanwhile, back in my heart
I’m still in love with you, tearing me apart
Oh, I can stay away as long as I want to
As long as I don’t think about you
But meanwhile, back in my mind
I’m right there with you, I’m wasting my time
Yeah, meanwhile, back in my heart
I’m still in love with you, tearing me apart
Yeah, meanwhile, back in my mind
I’m right there with you, I’m wasting my time
Yeah, meanwhile, back in my heart
I’m still in love with you, tearing me apart