About the song
“Heartland” is a timeless country music classic that has captured the hearts of listeners across the United States. Written by Steve Dorff and John Bettis, and recorded by the legendary George Strait, this uptempo country-rocker was released in January 1993 as the second single from the soundtrack album Pure Country. The song’s success was undeniable, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, now known as Hot Country Songs.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the heartland of America, a place where values are clear-cut and people know what is right from wrong. The narrator sings about feeling at home in this region, where the air is fresh and the people are genuine. The song’s message resonated with country music fans, who appreciated the nostalgic and patriotic themes woven throughout the lyrics.
The music video for “Heartland” was a visual representation of the song’s themes, combining a live performance of the song with short clips from the movie Pure Country. The video showcased Strait’s signature country style, complete with his iconic cowboy hat and boots.
The song’s production was a collaborative effort, with a talented group of musicians contributing to the track. Eddie Bayers on drums, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Buddy Emmons on steel guitar, and David Hungate on bass guitar all brought their unique skills to the table. Dean Parks’ electric guitar solo added a touch of sophistication, while Brent Rowan’s electric guitar and Randy Scruggs’ acoustic guitar provided a solid foundation for the song. Harry Stinson’s background vocals and Curtis Young’s harmonies added depth and texture to the track.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the chart performance of “Heartland,” exploring its journey to the top of the country charts and its enduring popularity over the years.
Video
Lyrics
When you hear twin fiddles and a steel guitar
You’re listenin’ to the sound of the American heart
And opry music on a Saturday night
Brings a smile to your face and a tear to your eye
Sing a song about the Heartland
The only place I feel at home
Sing about the way a good man
Works until the daylight’s gone
Sing the rain on the roof on a summer night
Where they still know wrong from right
Sing a song about the Heartland
Sing a song about my life
There’s a place where mornings are an endless blue
And you feel mother nature walk along with you
Where simple people livin’ side by side
Still wave to their neighbor when they’re drivin’ by
Sing a song about the Heartland
Sing a song about the Heartland
Sing a song about my life.