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.
Critical reception
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."[2]
Chart performance
"Lead On" debuted at number 67 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of June 24, 1995.