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George Jones – If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

There are certain melodies that, upon hearing them, not only touch your ears but also etch themselves into your soul. George Jones’s “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is one such song, delivering a profound sense of love and the pain of loss.

About The Composition

  • Title: If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)
  • Composer: Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford
  • Premiere Date: 1980
  • Album: I Am What I Am
  • Genre: Country

Background

“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is a country ballad penned by songwriters Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford. Released in 1980, it served as the third single from George Jones’s album I Am What I Am. This period marked a significant comeback for Jones after years of personal struggles that affected both his life and career.

The song deeply mirrors Jones’s personal experiences, including his battles with alcoholism and the heartache of a failed marriage. Its raw honesty and emotional depth resonated with audiences, leading to widespread acclaim and cementing its place as a standout track in Jones’s extensive repertoire.

Musical Style

The song embodies traditional country music with its slow tempo and melancholic tone. The arrangement features a blend of acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and piano, creating a somber and reflective atmosphere. George Jones’s distinctive vocal style—marked by his emotive phrasing and subtle nuances—amplifies the song’s authenticity and emotional impact.

Lyrics

The lyrics narrate the story of a man attempting to use alcohol to erase the memories of a lost love. He acknowledges that while drinking may harm his body, it’s the lingering memory of her that truly threatens to destroy him. The song poignantly explores themes of heartache, self-destruction, and the inescapable nature of true love’s memory.

Performance History

Following its release, “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” climbed to number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song became a staple in George Jones’s live performances and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, highlighting its enduring influence in the country music genre.

Cultural Impact

The song transcended commercial success to make a substantial cultural impact. It shed light on personal struggles with addiction and emotional pain, topics that were often stigmatized. By bringing these issues to the forefront, the song contributed to a broader conversation about mental health and personal demons in society.

Legacy

Today, “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is celebrated as one of George Jones’s classic hits. Its timeless narrative and emotional resonance continue to touch listeners, affirming its status as a masterpiece in country music. The song’s enduring popularity underscores Jones’s legacy as a profound storyteller and a pivotal figure in the genre.

Conclusion

Every time I listen to “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will),” I’m struck by the raw emotion and sincerity in George Jones’s voice. The song feels like a personal confession, a story in which many of us can find a piece of ourselves. I encourage you to listen to this poignant track, especially the original version on the album I Am What I Am, to fully experience the depth of feeling it conveys

Video

Lyrics

The bars are all closed
It’s four in the mornin’
I must have shut ’em all down
By the shape that I’m in
I lay my head on the wheel
And the horn begins honkin’
The whole neighborhood knows
That I’m home drunk again
If drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will
I can’t hold out much longer
The way that I feel
With the blood from my body
I could start my own still
But if drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will
These old bones, they move slow
But so sure of their footsteps
As I trip on the floor
And I lightly touch down
Lord, it’s been ten bottles
Since I tried to forget her
But the mem’ry still lingers
Lyin’ here on the ground
And if drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will
I can’t hold out much longer
The way that I feel
With the blood from my body
I could start my own still
But if drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will

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