Introduction
“I Cross My Heart,” one of George Strait’s most beloved ballads, was penned in 1982 by songwriter duo Steve Dorff and Eric Kaz. Their original demo—imbued with an R&B feel reminiscent of Boyz II Men—failed to find a home initially; even Bette Midler recorded it as a piano-driven track in 1984, only to abandon the version, concluding it didn’t suit her voice .
A decade later, the song found its perfect context in the 1992 film Pure Country. The movie’s director, Chris Caine, recognized the song’s potential as the film’s emotional centerpiece. Strait was enlisted to record it, despite broader hesitations about leading a film soundtrack with a ballad—yet it became a breakout moment .
Released as the lead single from the Pure Country soundtrack on September 28, 1992, and produced by Tony Brown, “I Cross My Heart” soared to No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country chart by December 5, holding the top spot for two weeks, while also reaching No. 1 in Canada . It remains one of Strait’s signature tunes—praised by critics and cherished at weddings for its heartfelt pledge of lifelong devotion .
Fast forward to December 4, 2021: performing at his “Strait to Vegas” residency at T‑Mobile Arena, Strait paused to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Norma. He recounted their high school romance—she 17, he 19—their elopement in Mexico in 1971, and serenaded her with “I Cross My Heart.” The audience responded with heartfelt applause as he proclaims “Happy Anniversary,” underscoring the song’s resonance in his personal life .
This introduction, rich with context—from the song’s quirky origins to its cinematic debut, chart conquest, and emotional significance in Strait’s real marriage—beautifully frames “I Cross My Heart” as a timeless testament to love, both on‑screen and off.
Video
Lyrics
Our love is unconditional, we knew it from the start
I 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