"Fool Hearted Memory" is the title of a song written by Byron Hill

Byron Hill

Byron Hill , is an American songwriter from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Working professionally in Nashville, TN for more than thirty years, his songs have been recorded by over 650 Country and Pop artists.-Music career:...

 and Blake Mevis, and was American country music singer George Strait

George Strait

George Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...

's first #1 single (Billboard Magazine, 1982). The single was from George Strait's 1982 Strait from the Heart

Strait from the Heart

Strait From the Heart is the second studio album from American country music artist George Strait. It is certified platinum by the RIAA. The album includes George's first Number One single, "Fool Hearted Memory", as well as the singles "Marina del Rey", "Amarillo by Morning" and "A Fire I Can't Put...

album on MCA Records

MCA Records

MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...

 and was included in the soundtrack of the feature film "The Soldier" on Embassy Films. The song won an ASCAP Award for being among the most performed country songs of 1982.

Critical reception

Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe gave the song an A grade, saying that Strait "finds his literal voice" on this song. He states that it is "stronger and more confident than it had been on his first album. While the song calls for a certain amount of restraint and sadness, Strait is able to fully capture those emotions without sounding at all timid." He goes on to say that you cannot listen to the song without "reveling in the delightfully country fiddle riff that dominates the track."

Chart performance

Chart (1982)	Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles	1
Canadian RPM Country Tracks	1