Country Icon George Strait Sparks Panic With Grim Outlook and Heartbreaking Tribute to Lost Friends

George Strait’s doom and gloom songs have friends worried about his state of mind, sources tell GLOBE.

The usually cheery country legend concerned concertgoers when he recited the lyrics to his downbeat 2011 tune I’ll Always Remember You, sparking fears for his future.

The Texas hitmaker’s somber song states, “I hope you won’t forget me, ’cause we’ve shared a lot of dreams,” which sources say perked up the ears of fans unfamiliar with the song who were concerned for their hero.

George also told the stunned audience in Philadelphia on May 10, “I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you folks.”

When the remark seemed to sink concertgoers’ moods, the 73-year-old backtracked a little.

“But hell, it’s been around 50 [years] now,” he said, apparently trying to look on the bright side. “And I still love it just as much as I ever did. When … I walk through those curtains and I see your smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground again until I walk back out and get on that bus.”

An insider says: “People around him don’t understand why George is even thinking about departing this world so soon and it’s bringing them down.

“They try to cheer him up and say he’s got loads of time, but he resorts back to these woebegone tales,” the insider says. “But a number of friends have died in recent years, and that’s no doubt had an effect on him.”

Just last year, George mourned the deaths of Erv Woolsey, his manager of 45 years, his road manager Tom Foote, and treasured band member Gene Elders.

Tragedy struck again on May 9, when the “All My Exes Live in Texas” singer had to bid adieu to his longtime friend and fellow country star Johnny Rodriguez.

“It’s hard to get up on stage these days and not think of all the wonderful people who are gone, but loved ones would like George to lighten up a little. He’s still got so much to give,” adds the insider.