Introduction
Released on March 12, 1991, “If I Know Me” was the first single from George Strait’s eleventh studio album, Chill of an Early Fall. Written by Pam Belford and Dean Dillon, and produced by Jimmy Bowen alongside Strait himself, the song showcases a signature neotraditional country sound—a perfect balance of heartfelt storytelling with polished musicianship .
The track unfolds from the perspective of a man who’s left his lover after an argument but candidly recognizes his own regret. The lyrics encapsulate his inner conflict: “If I know me, I’ll turn this car around… and I’ll come running back to her.” It’s a simple yet profound confession that resonates with anyone who’s acted rashly in the heat of emotion.
Upon release, “If I Know Me” quickly climbed the charts, earning No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and Canada’s RPM Country Tracks . It held those peak positions during the first half of May 1991, marking another high point in Strait’s string of hits during this period ,
The song also marked the beginning of Strait’s prolific run from Chill of an Early Fall, which yielded four singles—two of them No. 1 hits. It further cemented his dominance of early‑’90s country music and his reputation for honest, emotionally resonant performances .
Accompanied by a music video directed by Bill Young—shot in and around San Antonio’s historic Black Swan Inn—the song’s narrative is visually reinforced with scenes that emphasize emotional introspection, classic dance halls, and the simplicity that made its storyline so relatable.
In short, “If I Know Me” stands as a timeless example of George Strait’s vocal honesty, narrative clarity, and the emotional restraint that characterizes his most beloved work.
Video
Lyrics
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 half-way 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 half-way through town
And I’ll be sorry
I’ll stop and call
And you’ll say you’re sorry too
And I’ll come running back to you
If I know me
If I know me
And I know me