George Strait – Lead On

“Lead On” is a song written by Dean Dillon and Teddy Gentry, and recorded by American country music artist George Strait. It was released in June 1995 as the fourth and final single and title track from his album Lead On. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in September 1995.

The song is a ballad which at first seems to indicate the beginnings of a love affair. As the song continues into the second verse however, it is revealed that the man and the woman had already in fact been lovers and his appearance in this new town is his admission to being a fool and an offer to settle down.

Deborah Evans Price, of Billboard magazine reviewed the song favorably, calling it a “slow and pretty ballad.” She goes on to say that Strait is the “master of subtle country love songs, and he delivers the goods on this lovely ballad.”

B-side “I Met a Friend of Yours Today”
Released June 13, 1995
Genre Country
Length 3:26
Label MCA 55064
Songwriter(s) Dean Dillon Teddy Gentry
Producer(s) Tony Brown George Strait

George Strait – Lead On lyrics

[Verse 1]
She said I don’t recall seeing you around here
You must be new to this town
Said I’m just passing through
But girl from the looks of you
I could see me settling down

[Chorus]
Then she smiled and said the invitation’s open
‘Cause you look just like what I’ve been waiting on
So I said why don’t we take this matter somewhere else
And get to know this feeling that’s so strong, lead on

[Verse 2]
She said I had a love once, but he just up and left me
I said I bet it broke your heart
I had a love once too, but I acted like a fool
Oh what I’d give to be back in her arms

[Chorus]

[Outro]
She said I don’t recall seeing you around here
You must be new to this town