The King of Country Music, George Strait, has charted over 60 No. 1 hits over his four-decade-long career. "Heartland," "Check Yes or No," and "I Cross My Heart" are just a few of the country star's top hits.
But few moments in Strait's career are as memorable as his role in Pure Country, which marked his acting debut and spawned a hit soundtrack — the country star's best-selling record.
"Heartland" and Pure Country
"Heartland" was written by Steve Dorff and John Bettis and was released as the second single from Strait's record Pure Country in 1993. The record served as the soundtrack album for the 1992 dramatic western film.
"Heartland" peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. But beyond its success on the charts, one recording of the tune is extra special for the Strait family. The film's opening credits feature Strait's son, Bubba Strait, singing "Heartland."
Apparently, Strait's son caught the musician bug. He's since written songs with his dad and even appeared on stage with the superstar.
The Pure Country record won Strait the Tex Ritter Award from the Academy of Country Music in 1993.
Pure Country soundtrack:
- "Heartland" (Steve Dorff, John Bettis) - 2:16
- "Baby Your Baby" (Phil Thomas, Hal Newman) - 2:42
- "I Cross My Heart" (Dorff, Eric Kaz) - 3:30
- "When Did You Stop Loving Me" (Donny Kees, Monty Holmes) - 2:48
- "She Lays It All on the Line" (Clay Blaker) - 2:30
- "Overnight Male" (Richard Fagan, Kim Williams, Ron Harbin) - 2:36
- "Last in Love" (J. D. Souther, Glenn Frey) - 3:35
- "Thoughts of a Fool" (Mel Tillis, Wayne P. Walker) - 2:12
- "The King of Broken Hearts" (Jim Lauderdale) - 3:08
- "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (Lauderdale, John Leventhal) - 3:08
- "Heartland (Main Title Sequence)" (Dorff, Bettis) - 2:42
- featuring George Strait, Jr. (aka. Bubba Strait)
The music video features clips from the film and shots of Strait performing the song live.
'Heartland' Lyrics:
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
The only place I feel at home
Sing about the way a good man
Works until the daylight's gone
Where they still know wrong from right
Sing a song about the Heartland
Sing a song about my life
And you feel mother nature walk along with you
Where simple people livin' side by side
Still wave to their neighbor when they're drivin' by
The only place I feel at home
Sing about the way a good man
Works until the daylight's gone
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
Sing a song about my life
Now Watch: George Strait's Son, Bubba Strait, is a Country Songwriter and Rodeo Cowboy
