“A Fire I Can’t Put Out” is a song written by Darryl Staedtler, and recorded by American country music singer George Strait. It was released in May 1983 as the fourth and final single from his album Strait from the Heart. It was Strait’s second Number One hit on the Billboard country charts.
The narrator is a guy that can’t let the memory of a woman escape him. He can’t let go of the feeling that felt so good when he was with her. He knows he has to move on and find someone new, but he just can’t let the fire that burns for his former lover go.

From the album Strait from the Heart
B-side “Honky Tonk Crazy”
Released May 19, 1983
Recorded January 11, 1982
Genre Country
Length 3:00
Label MCA 52225
Songwriter(s) Darryl Staedtler
Producer(s) Blake Mevis
George Strait – A Fire I Can’t Put Out Lyrics
I’m finding out how hot an old flame can burn.
You’re a feeling I haven’t forgot, the love I can’t unlearn.
You’ve become a memory I can’t live without.
You’ll always be a fire I can’t put out.
[Chorus:]
I don’t know how to handle the dream you left behind.
It’s like a lighted candle burning up my mind.
At least I’m happy knowing what love is all about.
You’ll always be a fire I can’t put out.
Embers to ashes, that’s how it should be.
You’d think by now my heart would know, and it could set you free.
The things I’ve tried, the tears I’ve cried, I guess there’s no doubt
You’ll always be a fire I can’t put out.
[Chorus]
You’ll always be a fire I can’t put out.
