“One Of The Best Country Songs Ever”: Ernest Covers The Iconic George Strait Hit, “The Chair”

A certified country classic.

Ernest is right about that… over on Instagram, he shared a cover of The King’s hit “The Chair,” and it’s a simple acoustic video, but that’s my favorite way to hear a country cover so I’m here for it.

Of course, “The Chair” is a song written by Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon and recorded by George Strait. It was released in August of 1985 as the first single from his Something Special album.

It became a quick hit, reaching #1 on the country music charts in 1985, and the famous story goes that Cochran and Dillon wrote it very fast after a long night of writing many other songs. It was the last one they penned as inspiration struck, and Dean just so happened to strum the right chord and sing that iconic first line, “Excuse me but I think you’ve got my chair,” and 20 minutes later, the song was done.

Dillon has written so many George Strait songs over the years that you probably know and love, including “Unwound,” “Ocean Front Property,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “I’ve Come to Expect It From You,” “Here for a Good Time,” and many more, but “The Chair” is just special.

In his caption with the cover of the video, Ernest called it “one of the best country songs ever,” and I have to agree:

“One of the best country songs ever. Written by Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran… here’s my attempt at it.”

Obviously, no one is ever going to do it like The King, but I appreciate Ernest bringing a spotlight to these kinds of songs with what he called his “attempt,” and you can see what you think for yourself here:

View this post on Instagram

During a recent conversation with Bobby Bones, Ernest revealed that he has already finished his next album, and it was in the final stages of being finished. He explained that he just has to shoot the cover art for the album, and fans can expect a new project “sometime like spring break,” which makes it likely that a release date will be in March or early April:

“I’ve recorded and finished my next album, and I’m going to shoot the album art soon. And I’m going to put it out sometime like spring break. It’s going to be the perfect time for boat season.”

As for what to expect from the album, which is still untitled, Ernest would reveal it will have some beachy/island vibes mixed with some of his patented southern flair. He described the sound as a blend of “Alabama and Jimmy Buffett,” and

“There’s a little island inspiration in this next album for sure. And just like a little southern, too. It’s like Alabama and Jimmy Buffett had a baby.” 

Music to my ears, truly… this one is going to be good.

Ernest already has tons of tour dates on the books for his 2026 Live From The South tour, and you can see the full list of dates below.

Live From The South 2026 Dates:

1/21 – Denver, Colo. – Mission Ballroom*
1/23 – Salt Lake City, Utah – The Complex*
1/24 – Reno, Nev. – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino*
1/29 – Solana Beach, Calif. – Belly Up*
1/30 – Anaheim, Calif. – House of Blues*
1/31 – Sacramento, Calif. – Ace of Spades*
2/7 – Indio, Calif. – Fantasy Springs Casino
2/19 – Athens, Ga. – Georgia Theatre >
2/26 – Jacksonville, Fla. – FIVE >
2/27 – Charleston, S.C. – Charleston Music Hall >
2/28 – Norfolk, Va. – NorVa >
3/5 – Indianapolis, Ind. – The Egyptian >
3/6 – Rosemont, Ill. – Joe’s Live >
3/7 – Columbus, Ohio – The Bluestone >
3/11 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Intersection #
3/13 – Detroit, Mich. – Filmore #
3/14 – McKees Rocks, Pa. – Roxian Theatre #
3/19 – Durant, Okla. – Choctaw Casino
3/26 – Boston, Mass. – House of Blues*
3/27 – New York, N.Y.– Irving Plaza*
3/28 – Bensalem, Pa. – Parx Casino*
4/2 – Houston, Texas – White Oak Music Hall*
4/3 – New Braunfels, Texas – Gruene Hall*
4/4 – Ft. Worth, Texas – Billy Bob’s*
4/16 – St. Louis, Mo. – Hawthorn #
4/18 – Minneapolis, Minn. – First Avenue #

* Support By Chandler Walters
> Support By Cody Lohden
# Support By Rhys RutherfordThe post “One Of The Best Country Songs Ever”: Ernest Covers The Iconic George Strait Hit, “The Chair” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.