«You Can’t Make a Heart Love Somebody» is a song written by Johnny MacRae and Steve Clark, and recorded by American country music singer George Strait. It was released in December 1994 as the second single from his album Lead On.

The song is about a man who proposes to his girlfriend, but she rejects it. In a play on the proverb, «You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink,» the woman tearfully explains that—despite her best efforts—she is simply not in love with her boyfriend («You can lead a heart to love, but you can’t make it fall»).

«You Can’t Make a Heart Love Somebody» number 59 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of December 24, 1994.

From the album Lead On
B-side «What Am I Waiting For»
Released December 5, 1994
Recorded April 19, 1994
Genre Country
Length 3:21
Label MCA 54964
Songwriter(s) Steve Clark, Johnny MacRae
Producer(s) Tony Brown, George Strait

George Strait – You Can’t Make A Heart Love Somebody lyrics

At a table for two, with candle light and wine.
That diamond burnin’ holes in his pockets, thinkin’ now’s the perfect time.
When he popped the question, he could see the teardrops fill her eyes.
She said I knew this was comin’ and I’m sorry, but I hope you realize.

[Chorus:]
You can’t make a heart love somebody.
You can tell it what to do, but it won’t listen at all.
You can’t make a heart love somebody.
You can lead a heart to love, but you can’t make it fall.

Then she reached for his hand and said, I want you to know,
I’ve done everything that I know of to make the feeling grow.
I’ve begged and I’ve pleaded with my heart, but there’s no gettin’ through.
My heart’s the only part of me that’s not in love with you.

[Chorus]

You can lead a heart to love, but you can’t make it fall.