Mingus is a city in Palo Pinto County, Texas, United States.

"[5] The lyrics tell of the deaths of three young men from Strawn, Texas, who travel to Mingus for beer, and, coming home in their '39 Ford, try to beat the Katy at a crossing and die when they are struck by the "reckless railroad train."

Area residents blamed aggressive law enforcement for the demise of the stores and bars.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2), all land.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.