About The Song
“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” is a traditional country ballad written by Sanger D. “Whitey” Shafer and Darlene Shafer. It was recorded by George Strait as the title track and lead single from his fourth studio album, Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, released on September 26, 1984, by MCA Records. Produced by Jimmy Bowen and George Strait in his first co-production role, the track features a sparse arrangement with prominent fiddle, steel guitar, and Strait’s smooth baritone, capturing a classic honky-tonk sound.
The single was released in September 1984 and debuted at number 74 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It reached number one on January 5, 1985, spending one week at the summit and marking Strait’s sixth career chart-topper—his fifth consecutive number one. It also peaked at number 10 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. The song’s success helped propel the album to number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for three weeks, with a total of 70 weeks on the chart. The album earned Platinum certification from the RIAA for shipments exceeding one million copies.
The lyrics depict a man nursing jealousy and heartbreak in Fort Worth after his lover leaves him for another man in nearby Dallas. He drowns his sorrows in cold Fort Worth beer, questions if she ever thinks of him, and asks her to “burn one bridge” for him amid her bridge-burning. The recurring hook wonders if “Fort Worth ever crosses your mind,” using the rival Texas cities as a metaphor for lingering memories versus moving on.
The song originated from a phrase Darlene Shafer often said to her husband Whitey, a native of Whitney, Texas, near Fort Worth, highlighting how the city was overshadowed by Dallas. Moe Bandy first recorded it as a single in 1977, but it gained limited traction. Keith Whitley cut a demo that deeply influenced Strait, who heard it and chose to record a near-identical version. Whitley’s take was later released posthumously on compilations. Reba McEntire also considered recording it before Strait claimed it.
The album won Album of the Year at both the 1985 CMA Awards and ACM Awards (for Strait as artist and producer). The single received a CMA nomination for Single of the Year. Critics praised its authenticity; outlets like uDiscoverMusic and Country Universe noted its role in solidifying Strait’s neotraditional sound, with the project often cited as one of his strongest early works. It includes other hits like “The Cowboy Rides Away” and “The Fireman.”
The track appears on Strait compilations such as Greatest Hits (1985), Greatest Hits Volume Two (1987), Strait Out of the Box (1995), and 50 Number Ones (2004). It remains a concert staple, frequently performed live, including at the Astrodome. Keith Whitley’s version gained posthumous appreciation, but Strait’s definitive recording elevated the song to classic status in 1980s country music.
Video
Lyric
Cold Fort Worth beer just ain’t no good for jealous
I’ve tried it night after night
You’re in someone else’s arms in Dallas
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?Darlin’ while you’re busy burnin’ bridges
Burn one for me if you get time
‘Cause good memories don’t fade so easy
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?You left me here to be with him in Dallas
And I know it hurt you at the time
But I wonder now if it makes a difference
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?Does Fort Worth ever
Does Fort Worth ever
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?You left me here to be with him in Dallas
And I know it hurt you at the time
But I wonder now if it makes a difference
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?Does Fort Worth ever
Does Fort Worth ever
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?