George Strait – I Should Have Watched That First Step

Introduction:

Released in 1984 on the album Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, I Should Have Watched That First Step is a classic country song that explores themes of regret and the slow erosion of trust in a relationship. The song, written by Wayne Kemp, became a significant hit for Strait, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This accomplishment solidified Strait’s status as a rising star and a leading voice in country music throughout the 1980s.

George Strait, the song’s performer, is a legendary country music singer known for his smooth vocals, signature Western swing style, and poignant storytelling lyrics. Nicknamed “The King of Country” for his reign over the genre’s charts and influence on countless future artists, Strait started his career in the 1970s but achieved widespread success in the 1980s. Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, the album I Should Have Watched That First Step is featured on, was Strait’s sixth studio album and a major turning point in his career. It marked the beginning of a long-lasting partnership with producer Jimmy Bowen, who helped refine Strait’s sound and propel him to superstardom.

I Should Have Watched That First Step is a prime example of Strait’s signature style and temáticas. The song describes a relationship on the rocks, where a man reflects on a past mistake that has gradually chipped away at the foundation of his love. While the song doesn’t reveal the specifics of the transgression, the narrator acknowledges a “first step” that “was a mighty big step” and set their relationship on a downward trajectory. The chorus emphasizes the weight of regret: “I Should Have Watched That First Step / It was a mighty big step / When I started stepping out of line / Though she’s still loving me / It’s not the way it used to be.” The subtle emotional shift and the lingering doubt about the relationship’s future resonate with listeners.

I Should Have Watched That First Step‘s success on the charts is a testament to its relatable story and Strait’s masterful delivery. The song remains a cornerstone of Strait’s vast catalog and a beloved track among country music fans. It continues to be played on radio stations and featured in playlists, solidifying its place as a country music classic.

Video:

Lyrics:

I once had a love, a true and lasting love
But the fool in me came out one night
And with her loving eyes, she saw right through my eyes
And she changed the night I stepped across the line

I should have watched that first step
It was a mighty big step
When I started stepping out of line
Though she’s still loving me
It’s not the way it used to be
That first step did something to her mind

I watched her slip away a little more every day
And my conscience couldn’t live with all that shame
She’s growing colder since the day I told her
And the love we had will never be the same

I should have watched that first step
It was a mighty big step
When I started stepping out of line
Though she’s still loving me
It’s not the way it used to be
That first step did something to her mind

That first step did something to her mind