50 Number Ones

50 Number Ones is a compilation album by George Strait and chronicles the career of a performer so respected and beloved, his fans know him simply as "King George". This compilation is of his first 50 Number One country music singles, starting with 1982's "Fool Hearted Memory". It is the definitive anthology and a must have for any country music fan. George Strait has scored more #1's than any other single artist in history and this collection celebrates that remarkable and record breaking career. The album has been certified 7 × Multi-Platinum by the RIAA.

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I Hate Everything

He was sitting there beside me throwing doubles down
When he ordered up his third one he looked around
Then he looked at me
And said, "I do believe
I'll have one more."
He said, "I hate this bar and I hate to drink,
But on second thought, tonight I think, I hate everything."

Then he opened up his billfold and threw a twenty down,
And a faded photograph fell out and hit the ground.
I picked it up,
He said, "thank you, bud."
I put it in his hand.
He said, "I probably oughta throw this one away
'cause she's the reason I feel this way.
I hate everything."

I hate my job
And I hate my life
And if it weren't for my two kids
I'd hate my ex wife.
I know I should move on and try to start again,
But I just can't get over her leaving me for him.
Then he shook his head, looked down at his ring, said, "I hate everything."

Said, "that one bedroom apartment where I get my mail,
Is really not a home, it's more like a jail,
With a swimming pool, and a parking lot view.
Man, it's just great.
I hate summer, winter, fall and spring.
Red and yellow, purple, blue and green.
I hate everything."

So I pulled out my phone and I called my house.
I said, "Babe, I'm coming home, we're gonna work this out."
I payed for his drinks
And I told him thanks
Thanks for everything.

- Gary Harrison, Keith Stegall

Fool Hearted Memory

Nickels and dimes, memories and wine
She's on his mind once again
The same ol' stew, the same ol' 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

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, he sits patiently
Here every night so it can fool him more

She was his girl, his only world
That string of pearls that slipped away
A thousand dimes, a thousand times
He doesn't mind what they say
He fills the jukebox, then plays the same ol' song
He fills his glass and then he turns her memory on

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, he sits patiently
Here every night so it can fool him more

- Byron Hill, Alan R. Mevis

A Fire I Can't Put Out

I'm finding out how hot an old flame can burn
You're a feeling I haven't forgot, the love I can't unlearn
You've become a memory I can't live without
You'll always be a fire I can't put out

I don't know how to handle the dream you left behind
It's like a lighted candle, burning up my mind
At least I'm happy knowing what love is all about
You'll always be a fire I can't put out

Embers to ashes, that's how it should be
You'd think by know my heart would know and it could set you free
The things I've tried, the tears I've cried and I guess there's no doubt
You'll always be a fire I can't put out

I don't know how to handle the dream you left behind
It's like a lighted candle, burning up my mind
At least I'm happy knowing what love is all about
You'll always be a fire I can't put out
You'll always be a fire I can't put out

- Darryl Staedtler

You Look So Good In Love

Oh how you sparkle, and oh how you shine.
That flush on your cheeks is more than the wine.
And he must do something that I didn't do.
Whatever he's doing, it looks good on you.

You look so good in love.
You want him, that's easy to see.
You look so good in love.
And I wish you still wanted me.

He must have stolen some stars from the sky,
And gave them to you to wear in your eyes.
I had my chances, but I set you free.
And now I wonder why I couldn't see.

You look so good in love.
You want him, that's easy to see.
You look so good in love.
And I wish you still wanted me.

Darling I've wasted a lot of years not seeing the real you,
But tonight your beauty is shining through.
And I never took the time to let you know,
So before he takes you away please let me say.

You look so good in love.
You want him, that's easy to see.
You look so good in love.
And I wish you still wanted me.

You look so good in love.

- Glen Ballard, Rory Michael Bourke, Kerry Chater

Right or Wrong

Right or wrong, I'll always love you
Though you're gone I can't forget
Right or wrong, I'll keep on dreaming
Still I wake with that same old regret

All along I knew I'd lose you
Though I prayed that you'd be true
In your heart please just remember
Right or wrong, I'm still in love with you

Right or wrong, I'll always love you
Though you're gone I can't forget
Right or wrong, I'll keep on dreaming
Still I wake with that same old regret

All along I knew I'd lose you
Though I prayed that you'd be true, oh Lord
In your heart please just remember
Right or wrong, I'm still in love with you

- Paul Biese, Haven Gillespie, Arthur L. Sizemore

Let's Fall To Pieces Together

Pardon me, you left your tears on the jukebox,
And I'm afraid they got mixed up with mine.
I don't mean to pry,
It's just that I noticed you going out of your mind.
Looks like we're two of a kind.

Let's fall to pieces together.
Why should we both fall apart?
Let's fall to pieces together
Right here in each other's arms.

Alone is much better together,
And the worst is still yet to come.
So let's share the rest of the tears
That are left from two hearts that just came undone.
Why should we go crazy alone?

Let's fall to pieces together
Right here in each other's arms.

Pardon me, you left your tears on the jukebox,
And I'm afraid they got mixed up with mine.
I don't mean to pry,
It's just that I noticed you going out of your mind.
Looks like we're two of a kind.

Let's fall to pieces together.
Why should we both fall apart?
Let's fall to pieces together
Right here in each other's arms.

Alone is much better together,
And the worst is still yet to come.
So let's share the rest of the tears
That are left from two hearts that just came undone.
Why should we go crazy alone?

Let's fall to pieces together
Right here in each other's arms.

- Dickey Lee, Tommy Rocco, Johnny Russell

Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind

Cold Fort Worth beer just ain't no good for jealous.
I try it night after night.
You're in someone else's arms in Dallas.
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?

Darlin' while you're busy burning bridges,
Burn one for me if you get time.
'Cause good memories don't fade so easy.
Does Fort Worth ever cross you mind?

You left me here to be with him in Dallas,
And I know it hurt you at the time.
But I wonder now if it makes a difference.
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?

Does Fort Worth ever, does Fort Worth ever,
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?

- Sanger D. Shafer, Darlene Shafer

The Chair

Well, excuse me, but I think you've got my chair.
No, that one's not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on Friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

Well, thank you, could I drink you a buy?
Oh, listen to me, what I mean is can I buy you a drink?
Anything you please.
Oh, you're welcome, well, I don't think I caught your name.
Are you waiting for someone to meet you here?
Well, that makes two of us glad you came.

No, I don't know the name of the band, but they're good.
Aren't they, would you like to dance?
Yeah, I like this song too, it reminds me of you and me.
Well, baby do you think there's a chance
That later on I could drive you home?
No, I don't mind at all.

Oh, I like you too, and to tell you the truth
That wasn't my chair after all.
Oh, I like you too, and to tell you the truth
That wasn't my chair after all.

- Hank Cochran, Dillon

Nobody In His Right Mind Would've Left Her

I burn with desire each time my heart fans the fire
To that old flame that burns inside of me.
She cried when I left her, now I cry to forget her.
Oh, how foolish I was to ever want to leave.

'Cause nobody in his right mind would've left her.
I had to be crazy to say goodbye.
Nobody in his right mind would've left her.
Even my heart was smart enough to stay behind.

I still carry her picture; I wish her well
With the new love I know she's found by now.
Each night finds me dreamin', each day I spend thinkin'
How much I wish she was still around.

'Cause nobody in his right mind would've left her.
I had to be crazy to say goodbye.
Nobody in his right mind would've left her.
Even my heart was smart enough to stay behind.

Even my heart was smart enough to stay behind.

- Dean Dillon

It Ain't Cool To Be Crazy About You

I thought you and me were something special
Thought you thought that way too
Now I know that this old boy just ain't the
Best you think you'll ever do

It ain't cool to be crazy about you
It ain't suave or debonair to let you know I care, like I do
It ain't smart to be so reckless with my heart
I should've known right from the start I'd end up like a fool
Believe me, it ain't cool

All of my friends they tried to tell me
What and what not to do
It took a while for them to sell me
But finally they got through

It ain't cool to be crazy about you
It ain't suave or debonair to let you know I care, like I do
It ain't smart to be so reckless with my heart
Should've known right from the start I'd end up like a fool
Believe me, it ain't cool

- Dean Dillon, Royce Porter

Ocean Front Property

If you leave me, I won't miss you,
And I won't ever take you back.
Girl, your mem'ry won't ever haunt me
'Cause I don't love you, and now if you'll buy that.

I got some ocean front property in Arizona.
From my front porch you can see the sea.
I got some ocean front property in Arizona.
If you'll buy that, I'll throw the golden gate in free.

I don't worship the ground you walk on.
I never have and that's a fact.
I won't follow or try to find you
'Cause I don't love you, and now if you'll buy that.

I got some ocean front property in Arizona.
From my front porch you can see the sea.
I got some ocean front property in Arizona.
If you'll buy that, I'll throw the golden gate in free.

Yeah, if you'll buy that I'll throw the golden gate in free.

- Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, Royce Porter

All My Ex's Live In Texas

All my ex's live in Texas
And Texas is the place I'd dearly love to be
But all my ex's live in Texas
And that's why I hang my hat in Tennessee

Rosanna's down in Texarkana
Wanted me to push her broom
Sweet Eileen's in Abilene
She forgot I hung the moon

And Allison's in Galveston
Somehow lost her sanity
And Dimple's who now lives in Temple's
Got the law looking for me

All my ex's live in Texas
And Texas is the place I'd dearly love to be
But all my ex's live in Texas
And that's why I hang my hat in Tennessee

I remember that old Frio river
Where I learned to swim
And it brings to mind another time
Where I wore my welcome thin

By transcendental meditation
I go there each night
But I always come back to myself
Long before daylight

All my ex's live in Texas
And Texas is the place I'd dearly love to be
But all my ex's live in Texas
And therefore I reside in Tennessee

Some folks think I'm hidin'
It's been rumored that I died
But I'm alive and well in Tennessee

- Sanger D. Shafer, Linda J. Shafer

Am I Blue

Am I blue?
Yes I'm blue
It started the day I lost you
Nobody ever missed somebody like I do
Am I blue?
Am I blue?

Just this mornin' over coffee
I sat there cryin'
'Cause you're gone long gone
I didn't know just how much
I was gonna miss you
Til' I spent my first night alone

Am I blue?
Yes I'm blue
How could I have been such a fool?
Now look at all the misery I'm goin' through
Am I blue?
Am I blue?

Tried to call
And say, "I'm sorry"
I couldn't get you on the line
You'll never know just how much
I'm wishin' you would show up
And say, "You've changed your mind"

- David Chamberlain

Famous Last Words Of A Fool

I told her I wouldn't miss her at all as she walked to the door
I couldn't care less if she didn't care anymore
And with tears in my eyes, I lied, I was glad we were through
As she drove away cryin' at the famous last words of a fool

Famous last words of a fool
Famous last words of a fool
"You won't break my heart and I don't love you"
The famous last words of a fool

The first night without her would be easy, I kept telling myself
All the while dying at the thought of her lying somewhere else
There'll be nothing to it, I'll easily find someone new
As my breaking heart echoed the famous last words of a fool

Famous last words of a fool
Famous last words of a fool
"You won't break my heart and I don't love you"
The famous last words of a fool
"You won't break my heart and I don't love you"
Famous last words of a fool

- Dean Dillon, Rex Huston

Baby Blue

She looked so much like a lady, but she was so much like a child.
A devil when she held me close, an angel when she smiled.
She always held it deep inside, but somehow I always knew
She's go away when the grass turned green and the sky turned baby blue.

And baby blue was the color of her eyes.
Baby blue like the Colorado skies.
Like a breath of spring, she came and left,
And I still don't know why,
So here's to you and whoever holds my baby blue tonight.

She brought colors to my life that my eyes had never touched.
And when she taught me how to care, I never cared so much.
I try not to think of her, but I fall asleep and do,
And drift off where the grass is green and the sky is baby blue.

- Aaron Barker

If You Ain't Lovin', You Ain't Livin'

If you got a Cadillac boy
And a 40 room shack boy
A bucket full of money
And a tree full of honey
But if you're gettin' no huggin'
No smoochin' or a muggin'

If you ain't lovin'
Than you ain't livin'

If you're ridin' on a gravy train
Instead of walkin' down lovers lane
You can't make, hey boy
'Cause you're goin' the wrong way boy
You gotta get a a little honey
It's better than money

If you ain't lovin'
Than you ain't livin'

If they call you a big man
'Cause you got a lot of bottom land
If you're kin to the President
And ya help from the Government
But if you're gettin' no attention
You're better off on a pension

If you ain't lovin'
Than you ain't livin'

If you got a string of long cars
And your smokin' them 4-bit cigars
You ain't so well to do
Unless you get a little coochy-coo
It takes a little bit a smackin'
Or your life's lackin'

If you ain't lovin'
Than you ain't livin'

- Tommy Collins

Baby's Gotten Good At Goodbye

What a rotten day this turned out to be.
I still can't believe she'd leave so easily.
She just got all her things, threw 'em into a pile,
Then she loaded her car and said after a while,
She'd done this before, but this time she didn't cry.

That's why I'm sittin' on the front steps,
Staring down the road, wond'rin' if she'll come back -
This time I don't know.
After she packed, when she looked back
There were no tears in her eyes,
And that's got me worried thinking
Maybe my baby's gotten good at goodbye.

All the times before she'd break down and cry.
She'd make her threats, but her heart wasn't set on goodbye.
She just wanted me to hear what she had to say.
Now I'm lost for words, since she went away.
She may not return for this time she didn't cry.

- Tony Martin, Troy Martin

What's Going on In Your World

(What's going on in your world? I hope that you're doing fine.
I just called to say there's not a day that you don't cross my mind.
I just wanted to see if you feel like me - sorry that we said goodbye.
So what's going on in your world? It sure is lonesome in mine.

Just tell me that you're happy and I'll hang up the phone.
Just tell me you don't need me anymore and I'll leave you alone.
I just wondered if you had somebody new after all of this time.
So what's going on in your world? It sure is lonesome in mine.

What's going on in your world? It sure is lonesome in mine.

- David Chamberlain, Royce Porter, Red Steagall

Ace In The Hole

You've got to have an ace in the hole.
A little secret that nobody knows.
Life is a gamble, a game we all play,
But you need to save something for a rainy day.
You've got to learn to play your cards right if you expect to win in life.
Don't put it all on the line for just one roll.
You've got to have an ace in the hole.

If you're headed down a one way street.
And you're not sure it's the way you wanna go.
In money or love, or all the above,
Have a little more than what you show.
When life deals out a surprise
Have a few surprises of your own.
No matter what you do, no matter where you go
You've got to have an ace in the hole.

Don't put it all on the line for just one roll
You've got to have an ace in the hole.
No matter what you do, no matter where you go
You've got to have an ace in the hole.

- Dennis Adkins

Love Without End, Amen

I got sent home from school one day with a shiner on my eye.
Fightin' was against the rules and it didn't matter why.
When dad got home I told that story just like I'd rehearsed.
And then stood there on those tremblin' knees and waited for the worst.

And he said, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us."
He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then.
It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen."

When I became a father in the spring of '81
There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my father's son.
And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end,
I took my daddy's secret and I passed it on to him.

Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates.
When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake.
If they know half the things I've done, they'll never let me in.
And then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again.

- Aaron Barker

I've Come To Expect It From You

So upset
Nervous wreck
I can't believe you said goodbye

Sit and smoke
Cry and joke
About these tears in my eyes

How could you do what you've gone and done to me
I wouldn't treat a dog the way you treated me
But that's what I get
I've come to expect it from you

A million times
A million lines
And I've bought 'em, every one

You don't care
You rip and tear
Every dream I've counted on

I guess that I should thank my unlucky stars
That I'm alive and you're the way you are
But that's what I get
I've come to expect it from you

How could you do what you've gone and done to me
I wouldn't treat a dog the way you treated me
But that's what I get
I've come to expect it from you

I could raise hell
But what the hell
It wouldn't do a bit a good

Pack and leave
My heart agrees
It seems to think that I should

There won't be no more next time doing me wrong
You'll come back this time to find out that I'm gone
But that's what you get
You should expect that from me

That's what I get
I've come to expect it from you

- Buddy Cannon, Dean Dillon

If I Know Me

We both said some things I know we never meant,
And when I slammed the door tonight you wondered where I went.
If I know you, you're probably wonderin' what to do.
You're thinkin' that I'm gone for good, if I know you.

But if I know me, I'll turn this car around.
I won't get halfway through town, and I'll be sorry.
I'll stop and call, and you'll say you're sorry too,
And I'll come runnin' back to you, if I know me.

Sometimes I lose my head, say things to break your heart,
Forgettin' if I lost your love, it would tear my world apart.
If I know you, you didn't mean one single thing you said.
Truth be known, you're dyin', cryin', lyin' there in bed.

But if I know me, I'll turn this car around.
I won't get halfway through town, and I'll be sorry.
I'll stop and call, and you'll say you're sorry too,
And I'll come runnin' back to you, if I know me.

- Pam Belford, Dean Dillon

You Know Me Better Than That

Baby, since you left me, there's somebody new
She thinks I'm perfect, I swear
She likes my body, my class and my charm
She says I've got a confident aire
She respects my ambition, thinks I'm talented too
But she's in love with an image time is bound to see through

Oh, you know me better than that
You know the me that gets lazy and fat
How moody I can be, all my insecurities
You've seen me lose all my charm
You know I was raised on a farm
Oh, she tells her friends I'm perfect
And that I love her cat
But you know me better than that

I miss picnics and blue jeans and buckets of beer
Now it's ballet and symphony hall
I'm into culture, clean up to my ears
It's like wearing a shoe that's too small
Oh, I caught her with an issue of Brides magazine
Starin' at dresses and pickin' out rings

Oh, she tells her friends I'm perfect
And that I love that cat
Oh, but you know me better than that

- Anna Lisa Graham, Tony Haselden

The Chill Of A Early Fall

Well her old friend, from her own end of town dropped by today,
And way down deep inside me something died
When he came 'round to see her that way.
Here it comes again, that same old chilly wind
Will blow like a cold winter squall.

And I'll begin to feel the chill of an early fall.
And I'll be drinking again and thinking whenever he calls,
There's a storm coming on, it won't be too long till the snow falls.
Oh I'll be sobersome,
But when October comes and goes and no time at all
I'll begin to feel the chill of an early fall.

Oh how quick they slip away, here today and gone tomorrow.
Love and seasons never stay, bitter winds are sure to follow.
Now there's no doubt, it's gonna be cold out tonight;
I've shivered all day, and when I look in her eyes
Needing to hold her so tight, she just looks away.
Oh she'll swear that it's true, he's just someone she knew
Long ago, and I'll know that's not all,

And I'll begin to feel the chill of an early fall.
Oh I'll begin to feel the chill of an early fall.

- Green Daniel, Gretchen Peters

So Much Like My Dad

I know that I surprised you coming home,
It's not my usual time of year; but I've got myself a problem,
And I know that I might find the answer here.

Remember when I was dad's pride and joy and your little man,
Every time that I got hurt you were there to give a hand.
You would pick me up, and you'd kiss my hurt away.
Remember what you'd say,
"Boy you're getting more like him each and every day."

Can we have a talk like it was yesterday?
Your boy is back in trouble and he needs you right away.

She says she's gonna leave me, momma.
Nothing on God's green Earth would make her stay.
I can't live without her, momma,
But this time you can't kiss the hurt away.

But if I'm so much like my dad,
There must have been times you felt her way.
So tell me word for word what he said that always made you stay.

She says she's gonna leave me, momma.
But if I'm so much like my dad,
There must have been times you felt her way.
So tell me word for word what he said
That always made you stay.

- Chips Moman, Bobby Emmons

I Cross My Heart

Our love is unconditional
We knew it from the start
I can see it in your eyes
You can feel it from my heart

From here on after
Let's stay the way we are right now
And share all the love and laughter
That a lifetime will allow.

I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give
To make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine

You will always be the miracle
That makes my life complete
And as long as there's a breath in me
I'll make yours just as sweet

As we look into the future
It's as far as we can see
So let's make each tomorrow
Be the best that it can be

I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give
To make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine

And if along the way we find a day
It starts to storm
You've got the promise of my love
To keep you warm

In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine
A love as true as mine

- Steve Dorff, Eric Kaz

Heartland

When you hear twin fiddles and a steel guitar
You're listenin' to the sound of the American heart
And opry music on a Saturday night
Brings a smile to your face and a tear to your eye

Sing a song about the Heartland
The only place I feel at home
Sing about the way a good man
Works until the daylight's gone

Sing the rain on the roof on a summer night
Where they still know wrong from right
Sing a song about the Heartland
Sing a song about my life

Sing a song about the Heartland
The only place I feel at home
Sing about the way a good man
Works until the daylight's gone

- Steve Dorff, John Bettis

Easy Come, Easy Go

Says she's had enough of me, I've had enough of her too.
I might as well go on and set her free, she's already turned me loose.
No fault, no blame, nobody done no wrong-
That's just the way it sometimes goes.
Sometimes two people just don't get along, it's time to hit the road.

Goodbye, farewell, so long, vaya condios.
Good luck, wish you well, take it slow.
Easy come girl, easy go.

We tried to work it out a hundred times, ninety- nine it didn't work.
I think it's best we put it all behind before we wind up getting hurt.
No hard feelings darling, no regrets,
No tears and no broken hearts.
Call it quits, calling off all bets, it just wasn't in the cards.

Easy come girl, easy go.
Vaya condios, good luck,
Easy come, easy go.

- Aaron Barker, Dean Dillon

I'd Like To Have That One Back

Heard somebody speak her name
They said she was still looking fine
I could feel that same old flame
I once felt when she was mine
Always thought that I was missing something
But I found out much too late
There'll never be another who loved me that way

I'd like to have that one back
I've never known someone so true
And a love that's pure and sweet
Is what a man should never lose
And if my lips had said I'm sorry
She might have stopped right in her tracks
Now I find my poor heart saying
I'd like to have that one back

I can almost see her standing there
Tears rolling down her face
As she packed away her memories
In that old worn out suit case
If I'd only known then what I know now
I'd never open that door
Oh they just don't make hearts like her's any more

- Aaron Barker, Bill Shore, Rick West

The Man In Love With You

I'm not the hero who will always save the day.
Don't always wear the white hat, don't always know the way.
I may not even be the dream you wanted to come true,
But I'll always be the man in love with you.

I'm not the key that opens every door.
I don't have the power to give you all you want and more,
But when you're needin' somethin' special you can hold on to,
I'll always be the man in love with you.

I never could work miracles.
There may be others who can do what I can't do,
But no one else can be as good as me at lovin' you.

So when the world won't turn the way you wish it would,
And the dreams you have don't come alive as often as they should,
Remember that there's someone there whose heart is always true.
I'll always be the man in love with you.

Remember that there's someone there whose heart is always true,
Someone there to help you make it through.
I'll always be the man in love with you.

- Steve Dorff, Gary Harju

The Big One

Without a warning, you're outta control.
The ground shakes and the oceans roll-
This is the big one, there's no way to run.

On the Richter scale of romance
You hit twelve and you don't stand a chance.
This is the big one, I'm fallin' in love.

Now it's beat, beat, beat-
My heart's sending out a message.
Please, please, please don't save me tonight.
S.O.S. in this situation means she's outtasite.
No need to panic I tell myself,
But I never felt this feeling with anybody else.
This is the big one I'm falling in love.

- Gerry House, Devon O'Day

You Can't Make A Heart Love Somebody

At a table for two
With candlelight and wine
That diamond burnin' holes in his pockets
Thinkin' now's the perfect time
When he popped the question he could see
The teardrops fill her eyes
She said I knew this was comin', and I'm sorry
But I hope you realize

You can't make a heart love somebody,
You can tell it what to do
But it won't listen at all
You can't make a heart love somebody
You can lead a heart to love
But you can't make it fall.

Then she reached for his hand
And said I want you to know
I've done everything that I know of
To make the feelin' grow
I've begged and I've pleaded with my heart
But there's no gettin' through
My heart's the only part of me
That's not in love with you

You can't make a heart love somebody,
You can tell it what to do
But it won't listen at all
You can't make a heart love somebody
You can lead a heart to love
But you can't make it fall.

You can lead a heart to love
But you can't make it fall.

- Steve Clark, Johnny MacRae

Lead On

She said I don't recall seeing you around here
You must be new to this town
Said I'm just passing through
But girl from the looks of you
I could see me settling down.

Then she smiled and said the invitation's open
'Cause you look just like what I've been waiting on
So I said why don't we take this matter somewhere else
And get to know this feeling that's so strong, lead on.

She said I had a love once, but he just up and left me
I said I bet it broke your heart.
I had a love once too, but I acted like a fool
Oh what I'd give to be back in her arms.

Then she smiled and said the invitation's open
'Cause you look just like what I've been waiting on
So I said why don't we take this matter somewhere else
And pick up right where everything went wrong, lead on.

She said I don't recall seeing you around here
You must be new to this town.

- Dean Dillon, Teddy Gentry

Check Yes or No

It started way back in third grade
I used to sit beside Emmylou Hayes
A pink dress, a matching bow, and her ponytail
She kissed me on the school bus but told me not to tell
Next day I chased her around the playground
Cross the monkey bars to the merry-go-round
And Emmylou got caught passing me a note
Before the teacher took it I read what she wrote

Do you love me do you want to be my friend
And if you do
Well then don't be afraid to take me by the hand
If you want to
I think this is how love goes
Check yes or no

Now we're grown up and she's my wife
Still like two kids with stars in our eyes
Not much has changed I still chase Emmylou
Up and down the hall around the bed in our room
Last night I took her out in a white limousine
Twenty years together she still gets to me
Can't believe it's been that long ago
When we got started with just a little note

Do you love me do you want to be my friend
And if you do
Well then don't be afraid to take me by the hand
If you want to
I think this is how love goes
Check yes or no

- Danny Wells, Dana Hunt

I Know She Still Loves Me

There's just a hint of indifference
In her lack of conversation when we talk.
And the subject matters change,
There's no mention of our future now at all.
She still kisses me each morning,
But it seems more like a habit than before.

I know she still loves me,
But I don't think she likes me anymore.

She used to laugh at all my jokes,
But lately I can't seem to make her smile.
And the last time we made love it was good,
But God it's been a while.
She's always there when I get home,
But she's no longer waiting at the door.

I know she still loves me,
But I don't think she likes me anymore.

'Cause it's just a little colder every time I hold her.
She's just going through the motions
From what's left of her devotion;
And it scares me half to death
Wonderin' what tomorrow holds in store.

I know she still loves me,
But I don't think she likes me anymore.

Right now I know she loves me,
But I don't think she likes me anymore.

- Aaron Barker, Monty Holmes

Blue Clear Sky

You swear you've had enough, you're ready to give up
On that little lie they call love, then out of the blue clear sky
Fallin' right into your hands, like rain on the desert sand
It's the last thing you had planned out of the blue clear sky.

Here she comes a walkin' talkin' true love
Sayin' I been lookin' for you love
Surprise your new love has arrived
Out of the blue clear sky.

Ain't love a funny thing, one day you're givin' up the dream
And the next you're pickin' out a ring out of the blue clear sky.

Here she comes a walkin' talkin' true love
Sayin' I been lookin' for you love
Surprise your new love has arrived
Out of the blue clear sky.

- Bob DiPiero, John Jarrard, Mark D. Sanders

Carried Away

I don't take my whiskey to extremes
Don't believe in chasin' crazy dreams
My feet are planted firmly on the ground
But darlin' when you come around

I get carried away by the look by the light in your eyes
Before I even realize the ride I'm on
Baby I'm long gone
I get carried away nothin' matters but bein' with you
Like a feather flyin' high up in the sky on a windy day
I get carried away

It might seem like an ordinary night
Same ol' stars same ol' moon up high
But when I see you standin' at your door
Nothin's ordinary anymore

Carried away

- Steve Bogard, Jeff Stevens

I Can Still Make Cheyenne

Her telephone rang 'bout a quarter to nine
She heard his voice on the other end of the line
She wondered what was wrong this time
She never knew what his calls might bring
With a cowboy like him, it could be anythin'
And she always expected the worst
In the back of her mind

He said, "It's cold out here and I'm all alone
Didn't make the short go again, and I'm comin' home
I know I've been away too long
I never got a chance to write or call
And I know this Rodeo has been hard on us all
But I'll be home soon
And Honey, is there somethin' wrong?"

She said, "Don't bother comin' home
By the time you get here I'll be long gone
There's somebody new and he sure ain't no Rodeo man"
He said, "I'm sorry it's come down to this"
There's so much about you that I'm gonna miss
But it's alright baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Gotta go now baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne"

He left that phone danglin' off the hook
Then slowly turned around and gave it one last look
Then he just walked away
He aimed his truck toward that Wyoming line
With a little luck he could still get there in time
And in that Cheyenne wind he could still hear her say

She said, "Don't bother comin' home
By the time you get here I'll be long gone
There's somebody new and he sure ain't no Rodeo man"
He said, "I'm sorry it's come down to this
There's so much about you that I'm gonna miss
But it's alright baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne
Gotta go now baby
If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne"

She never knew what his calls might bring
With a cowboy like him, it could be anythin'
And she always expected the worst
In the back of her mind

- Aaron Barker, Erv Woolsey

One Night At A TIme

I'm not yours an' baby you're not mine
We've got somethin' and it sure is fine
Let's take our love
One night at a time

There's one thing that we both agree
I like you and baby you like me
Let's take our love
One night at a time

All night, love all night, practice makes perfect
Gonna get it right, gonna get it right
One night at a time

Oh, I think about you all day long
It feels so good it can't be wrong
I've got my fingers crossed
That this goes on and on

Tomorrow, well, that's another day
Come on baby now, what do you say
Let's take our love
One night at a time

All night, love all night, practice makes perfect
Gonna get it right, gonna get it right
One night at a time

Oh, I think about you all day long
It feels so good it can't be wrong
I got my fingers crossed
That this goes on and on

All night, love all night, practice makes perfect
Gonna get it right, gonna get it right
One night at a time

All night, love all night

- Roger Cook, Eddie Kilgallon, Earl Bud Lee

Carrying Your Love With Me

Baby all I've got is this beat-up leather bag
And everything I own don't fill up half
But don't you worry 'bout the way I pack
All I care about is getting back real soon
A good-bye kiss is all I need from you

'Cause I'm carrying your love with me
West Virginia down to Tennessee
I'll be moving with the good Lord's speed
Carrying your love with me
It's my strength, for holding on
Every minute that I have to be gone
I'll have everything I'll ever need
Carrying your love with me

On a lonely highway, stuck out in the rain
Darling all I have to do is speak your name
The clouds rollback and the waters part
The sun starts shining in my heart for you
You're right there in everything I do

- Jeff Stevens, Steve Bogard

Today My World Slipped Away

We made it final today.
I gave you all I had, you made your getaway.
All the love we once made turned to memories today.
I left the courtroom and went straight to the church.
I hit my knees and told God how much I hurt.
Nothin' left of my heart;
It's gonna be so hard to make a new start.

'Cause today my world slipped away.
We buried the plans that we made.
And tonight I'm alone and afraid.
'Cause today my world slipped away.

All my friends say I'll make it alright.
I'll recover and start a new life.
But that'll be so hard to do
'Cause livin' ain't worth livin' without you.

'Cause today my world slipped away.
We buried the plans that we made.
And tonight I'm alone and afraid.
'Cause today my world slipped away.

- Mark Wright, Vern Gosdin

Round About Way

As far as all my friends can tell
I took her leavin' well - that's kinda right,
'Cause when I'm out with them,
I don't let her memory rule the night.
For the most part I'm okay,
But I still miss her in a round about way.

Around about the time that midnight rolls around.
That's around about the time my tears start falling down.
'Cause she's not around,
I come unwound and my heart breaks.
Yeah, I still miss her in a round about way.

I no longer sit alone for hours by the phone,
Wishin' she would call.
And just the other day
I took her smilin' face down off my wall.
I've come a long long way,
But I still miss her in a round about way.

Yeah, I still miss her in a round about way.

- Steve Dean, Wil Nance

I Just Want To Dance With You

I don't want to be the kind to hesitate,
Be too shy, wait too late
I don't care what they say other lovers do,
I just want to dance with you.

I gotta feeling that you have a heart like mine,
So let it show, let it shine.
If we have a chance to make one heart of two,
I just want to dance with you.

I want to dance with you, twirl you all around the floor
That's what they intended dancin' for,
I just want to dance with you.
I want to dance with you, hold you in my arms once more,
That's what they invented dancin' for,
I just want to dance with you.

I caught you lookin' at me when I looked at you,
Yes I did, ain't that true?
You won't get embarrassed by the things I do,
I just want to dance with you.

Oh the boys are playin' softly and the girls are too,
So am I and so are you.
If this was a movie, we'd be right on cue,
I just want to dance with you.

I just want to dance with you,
I just want to dance with you,
I just want to dance with you.

- Roger Cook, John Prine

True

True in this modern world when two lovers get together
Chances of 'em ever makin' it to forever
Couldn't be better than two in a million hearts.
Girl this ain't just another run of the mill emotion
What I'm feelin' is the definition of devotion,
My love for you is true.

[Chorus:]
True, like the sun comin' up each mornin'
Bright as the light in a baby's smile,
Sure as a mountain river windin',
Right as the rain fallin' from the sky,
Girl my love for you, is true.

True, not another minute on this Earth can be borrowed,
So there's no way to know when I'll live my last tomorrow
But everyday I get, I'll share with you.
This feelin' just keeps gettin' stronger as the time goes by
It's written on my face, you can see it in my eyes,
My love for you is true.

[Chorus 2x]

- Marv Green, Jeff Stevens

We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This

We really shouldn't be doing this and we both know why.
Just being close enough to think like this, enough to make you need to lie.
This kinda talk will lead us to somewhere,
We're gettin' way too close to going there
The farther off the better to resist, we really shouldn't be doing this.

Only an isolated incident, but the acquaintance left me stunned.
The first attraction was the hardest hit I thought I'd ever overcome.
This kinda situation has to pass, this chance encounter has to be the last.
To take it further we would be remiss, we really shouldn't be doing this.

We'd each be hurting somebody else if we don't say our good-byes real fast.
Won't even think about a farewell kiss, we really shouldn't be doing this.
Well...

We really shouldn't be doing this and we both know why.
Just being close enough to think like this, enough to make you have to lie.
This kinda talk will lead us to somewhere,
We're gettin' way too close to going there
The farther off the better to resist, we really shouldn't be doing this.

This kinda situation has to pass, this chance encounter has to be the last.
To take it further we would be remiss, we really shouldn't be doing this.
Won't even think about a good-bye kiss, we really shouldn't be doing this.

- Jim Lauderdale

Write This Down

I never saw the end in sight; fools are kind of blind.
Thought everything was going alright, but I was running out of time.
'Cause you had one foot out the door, I swear I didn't see
But if you're really going away, here's some final words from me.

Baby, write this down, take a little note to remind you in case you didn't know,
Tell yourself I love you and I don't want you to go, write this down.
Take my words, read 'em every day, keep 'em close by, don't you let 'em fade away,
So you'll remember what I forgot to say, write this down.

I'll sign it at the bottom of the page, I'll swear under oath
'Cause every single word is true, and I think you need to know,
So use it as a bookmark, stick it on your 'frigerator door,
Hang it in a picture frame up above the mantel where you'll see it for sure.

You can find a chisel, I can find a stone.
Folks will be reading these words, long after we're gone.

Oh I love you and I don't want you to go, baby write this down.

- Dana Hunt Oglesby, Kent Robbins

The Best Day

We loaded up my old station wagon
With a tent, Coleman, and sleepin' bags
Some fishin' poles, a cooler of Cokes
Three days before we had to be back

When you're seven, you're in Seventh Heaven
When you're goin' campin' in the wild outdoors
And as we turned off o that old dirt road
He looked at me and swore

Dad, this could be the best day of my life
I've been dreamin' day and night 'bout the fun we'll have
It's just me and you doin' what I've always wanted to
I'm the luckiest boy alive, this is the best day of my life

Well, his fifteenth birthday rolled around
Classic cars were his thing
When I pulled in the drive with that old 'Vette
I thought that boy would go insane

When you're in your teens
Your dreams revolve around four spinning wheels
We worked nights on end 'til it was new again
And as he sat behind the wheel, he said

Standin' in a little room
Back of the church with our tuxes on
Lookin' at him I say
"I can't believe, son, that you're grown", he said

Dad, this could be the best day of my life
I've been dreamin' day and night 'bout bein' like you
Now, it's me and her watchin' you and Mom I've learned
I'm the luckiest man alive, this is the best day of my life

I'm the luckiest man alive, this is the best day of my life

- Carson Chamberlain, Dean Dillon

Go On

I'm so sorry, I keep interrupting
What were you gonna say
You caught him cheating, I don't blame you
For walking away
I know where you're coming from, it sounds like where I've been
Oh there I go interrupting your story once again.

Go on, go on
You were saying how a fool can only fool you so long.
It's true, it's so true
When they do you like that, what else can you do
But go on

Our conversation won't change nothing,
But it's sure nice to talk
With somebody whose been cut of
The same old cloth
You know how you said happiness can't be found looking back
If you don't mind maybe we can talk a little more about that.

Go on, go on
You were saying this is better than sitting at home.
It's true, it's so true
When they do you like that, what else can you do
But go on

Even when you see no reason to
Don't wait to live life cause it won't wait for you.

Go on, please go on
You were saying what don't kill us only makes us strong
It's true, that's so true
When they do you like that what else can you do
But go on,
Just go on,
Life goes on,
And on.

- Tony Martin, Mark Nesler

Run

If there's a plane or a bus leaving Dallas
I hope you're on it
If there's a train moving fast down the tracks
I hope you caught it

Cause I swear out there ain't where you ought to be
So catch a ride, catch a cab
Don't you know I miss you bad
But don't you walk to me

Baby run, cut a path across the blue skies
Straight in a straight line
You can't get here fast enough

Find a truck and fire it up
Lean on the gas and off the clutch
Leave Dallas in the dust
I need you in a rush
So baby run

If you ain't got a suit case
Get a box or an old brown paper sack
And pack it light or pack it heavy
Take a truck, take a Chevy
Baby just come back

There's a shortcut to the highway out of town
Why don't you take it
Don't let that speed limit slow you down
Go on and break it

Baby run, cut a path across the blue skies
Straight in a straight line
You can't get here fast enough

Find a truck and fire it up
Lean on the gas and off the clutch
Leave Dallas in the dust
I need you in a rush
So baby run

Baby run
Oh baby run
Baby run

- Tony Lane, Anthony Smith

Living and Living Well

Had a nice little life
A little boat a little beach
A little routine I liked
A blue ocean view
Free to go with the flow
Anywhere that I wanted to
But the moment you set foot on my shore
That's when I knew

There's a difference in living and living well
You can't have it all all by yourself
Something's always missing
'Til you share it with someone else
There's a difference in living and living well

'Til you smiled with me
Thought that I had it good
As good as it could be
From the back of my deck
Caught a fish caught a breeze
And a thousand red sunsets
But sitting here with you girl I just saw
The best one yet

There's a difference in living and living well
You can't have it all all by yourself
Something's always missing
'Til you share it with someone else
There's a difference in living and living well

My days are brighter
My sky a deeper blue
My nights are sweeter
When I'm with you

There's a difference in living and living well
You can't have it all all by yourself
Something's always missing
'Til you share it with someone else
There's a difference in living and living well

- Tony Martin, Mark Nesler, Tom Shapiro

She'll Leave You With A Smile

At first she's gonna come on strong
Like She'll love you all night long
Like it's going out of style
Then she'll leave you with a smile

Well you can't help but wonder
Why you can't help but love her
But you can't help love her
And all that hurtin' was more than worth it
It's written all over your face

One day you'll pass her on the street
With that guy you used to be
She'll say hello and walk on by
Then she'll leave you with a smile

Well you can't help but wonder
Why you can't help but love her
But you can't help love her
And all that hurtin' was more than worth it
It's written all over your face

At first she's gonna come on strong
Like she'll love you all night long
Like it's going out of style
Then she'll leave you with a smile

Ah, she's gonna love you
She gonna leave you with a smile
Ah, she's gonna love you
She gonna leave you with a smile

- Odie Blackmon, Jay Knowles