Introduction
“I’ll Always Remember You” is a poignant and deeply personal song co‑written and recorded by American country star George Strait. Released in early 2011 as part of his twenty‑seventh studio album Here for a Good Time, the track was jointly penned by George Strait, his son Bubba Strait, and longtime collaborator Dean Dillon .
The song opens with the reflective line “It all started back in 1981,” a lyrical nod to the year George Strait burst onto the country music scene with his debut album Strait Country and hit single “Unwound,” heralding the return to neo‑traditional country and defining his iconic sound. This framing sets up a career‑spanning farewell sentiment, turning the track into both a remembrance and a tribute—to his journey and to his devoted audience.
Musically, Here for a Good Time features traditional instrumentation—steel guitar, fiddle, subtle piano—and Strait’s warm, sincere vocal delivery anchors the emotional core of the song . The production was overseen by Tony Brown alongside Strait himself, illustrating the artist’s hands‑on involvement in shaping the tone and message of this reflective album .
Live renditions of “I’ll Always Remember You” have taken on added significance, particularly in recent years. During a 2025 concert in Philadelphia, George Strait emotionally spoke to the audience mid‑song about his age and legacy, saying, “I have maybe five good years to sing my songs… I’ll still hear your screams and cheers…and I will always remember you” . His representatives have confirmed that he performs the song at nearly every show as a heartfelt connection with his fans .
In the broader scope of his career, the song resonates as a self‑written proclamation of gratitude and goodbye, merging professional legacy and personal reflection. As Strait edges toward the end of an extraordinary touring career—retired from full‑time touring since 2012 but still performing selectively—the song crystallizes his enduring bond with audiences and the lasting impact of his decades‑long reign as country music’s king .
About the album Here for a Good Time:
Released on September 6, 2011 via MCA Nashville, it was co‑produced by Tony Brown and Strait, and features seven tracks co‑written by Strait, his son Bubba, and Dean Dillon, including the title track and “I’ll Always Remember You.” The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Country Albums chart
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Lyrics
It all started back in 1981
Our life together had just begun
I didn’t know what my future would hold
But you gave me a chance
So I set out on the road
It wasn’t easy going then
There were times I almost threw that old towel in
But you kept callin’ me back to the stage
And I finally found my place in each and every face
I’m not sayin’ I’m through by any means
There’s still things that I want to say and do
I hope you won’t forget me, ’cause we’ve shared a lot of dreams
And just know that I’ll always remember you
When I first set out on the road, I figured
I had maybe five good years to sing my songs for you folks
Well, it’s goin’ on 30 now
And I still love it just as much as I ever did
When I hear that announcer say my name
And I walk through those curtains
And see your smilin’ faces
My feet don’t touch the ground again
‘Til I walk out and get back on that bus that got me here
I don’t know how many more years I’ve got left to do this
But I figure a few
I do want you to know, though
That when I do walk off this stage for the last time
And I’m all settled in, away from all this
You won’t be far away
I’ll still hear your screams and cheers in my mind
And I’ll always remember you
I’m not sayin’ I’m through by any means
‘Cause there’s still things that I want to say and do
I hope you won’t forget me, ’cause we’ve shared a lot of dreams
And just know that I’ll always remember you
You’ve pulled me through some hard times
Hope I’ve pulled you through a few
And just know that I’ll always remember youBest gifts for your loved ones