Introduction:
“Fool Hearted Memory” is a significant song in George Strait’s career, marking his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in August 1982. Written by Byron Hill and Blake Mevis, the song was part of Strait’s sophomore album, Strait from the Heart, and was also included in the soundtrack of the movie The Soldier.
This song was a turning point for Strait, then a rising star in the country music scene. “Fool Hearted Memory” opened the door for what would become a legendary career, with Strait eventually amassing 60 No. 1 singles—more than any other artist in the history of country music. Although The Soldier didn’t achieve notable success, the song became widely recognized and helped solidify Strait’s place as a key figure in the neotraditional country movement of the 1980s.
Musically, “Fool Hearted Memory” exemplifies the traditional country style that Strait is known for, with its themes of heartbreak and longing. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is unable to move on from a lost love, haunted by memories of a past relationship. This emotional depth, combined with Strait’s smooth vocal delivery, resonated strongly with country audiences at the time.
The song’s success laid the foundation for Strait’s incredible run of hits over the next several decades, making it not just a pivotal moment in his career, but a classic in country music history.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Fool Hearted Memory”
Nickels and dimes, memories and wines – she’s on his mind once again.
The same old stool, the same old fool; played by the rules, but didn’t win.
There’s an old love in his heart that he can’t lose.
He tried forgettin’, but he knows that it’s no use.[Chorus:]
He’s got a fool hearted memory.
It won’t let him see that she walked out the door.
He’s got a fool hearted memory,
And he sits patiently here every night so it can fool him more.She was his girl, his only whirl, that string of pearls that slipped away.
A thousand dimes, a thousand times – he doesn’t mind what they say.
He fills the jukebox, and plays the same old song.
He fills his glass, and then he turns her memory on.[Chorus:]
But it’s a fool hearted memory.
It won’t let him see that she walked out the door.
He’s got a fool hearted memory.
And he sits patiently here every night so it can fool him more.He’s got a fool hearted memory.
It won’t let him see that she walked out the door.
He’s got a fool hearted memory.
And he sits patiently here every night so it can fool him more.