“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” – George Strait’s Classic Reflection on Love Lost and Lingering Memories

“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” is a classic country ballad penned by the talented songwriting duo of Sanger D. Shafer and Darlene Shafer. Initially recorded by Moe Bandy in 1977, the song found its enduring fame when George Strait released his rendition in September 1984. It served as the lead single and title track of his fourth studio album, also named Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind.

This poignant tune tells the story of a narrator left behind in Fort Worth, grappling with the memories of a lost love who has moved on to Dallas. As he sips cold beer, a constant question lingers: does his former flame ever think of him and their shared past? Strait’s heartfelt delivery, coupled with the song’s simple yet resonant melody, struck a chord with country music fans, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in early 1985, becoming his sixth number-one single.

The album Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, released on September 26, 1984, proved to be a significant milestone in Strait’s career. It not only solidified his position as a rising star but also earned him his first CMA Award for Album of the Year. The title track’s nomination for Single of the Year further underscored its impact. This live version, recorded at the iconic Houston Astrodome, captures the raw emotion and timeless appeal of a song that continues to resonate with audiences, a testament to George Strait’s enduring artistry and the universal themes of love and remembrance.