Country Music

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Country Music

George & Tammy-Two Story House

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Introduction

In the pantheon of country music, few songs capture the complexities of matrimonial ambition and discord as poignantly as “Two Story House.” Recorded by the iconic duo George Jones and Tammy Wynette, this song echoes the real-life roller coaster of their marriage, offering a window into their tumultuous relationship through the lens of a seemingly simple desire for a grander home.

About The Composition

  • Title: Two Story House
  • Composer: Written by Tammy Wynette, David Lindsey, and Glenn Tubb
  • Premiere Date: Released in 1980
  • Album/Opus/Collection: Appeared on George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s album Together Again
  • Genre: Country

Background

“Two Story House” was born from the personal and professional partnership of George Jones and Tammy Wynette, two of country music’s most celebrated artists. Their own marriage, marked by its highs and lows, often served as inspiration for their music. This song reflects their dreams and disappointments, encapsulated in the metaphor of a house representing their aspirations and the reality of their fraying relationship. Initially received with mixed emotions due to its candid portrayal of marital disillusionment, the song eventually cemented its place in both artists’ repertoires, resonating with audiences familiar with their storied union.

Musical Style

The song employs classic country instrumentation, featuring steel guitars and harmonious blends that were signature to the Nashville sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The melody is straightforward yet poignant, underlining the lyrical message with a blend of tenderness and regret. The interplay of George’s deep, resonant voice with Tammy’s clear, emotive vocals enhances the narrative, depicting a couple’s shared dreams and individual disillusionments.

Lyrics/Libretto

“Two Story House” uses the metaphor of a couple building their dream home to explore themes of ambition, materialism, and marital discord. The lyrics poignantly reveal how, despite achieving their dream of owning a “two story house,” the couple finds themselves emotionally distanced, “with no love in that big house.” This narrative arc mirrors George and Tammy’s own relationship, making the song deeply personal and universally relatable.

Performance History

“Two Story House” was part of George and Tammy’s album Together Again, marking a brief professional reunion after their divorce. The song reached notable success, climbing the country charts and adding to the duo’s legacy of hits that often drew on their personal lives.

Cultural Impact

While not as widely influential as some of their other hits, “Two Story House” remains a testament to George and Tammy’s ability to channel personal experiences into their music. It serves as a cultural artifact of country music’s classic era, reflecting the genre’s capacity to tell compelling, relatable stories through song.

Legacy

The legacy of “Two Story House” lies in its candid exploration of marriage and ambition, themes that are timeless and universal. It continues to resonate with audiences, particularly those familiar with the duo’s history, as it encapsulates a significant chapter in the annals of country music.

Conclusion

“Two Story House” is more than just a song about a home; it’s a narrative about dreams, disillusionment, and the dualities of love and ambition. For those looking to explore the depths of George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s musical and personal journeys, this song offers a poignant starting point. I recommend seeking out their Together Again album for a deeper appreciation of how their lives and art were inextricably intertwined, making their music a timeless exploration of human relationships

Video

Lyrics

We always wanted a big two-story house
Back when we lived in that little two room shack
We wanted fame and fortune
And we’d live life the way the rich folks do
We knew somehow we’d make it together, me and you
With dreams and hopes of things to come
We worked and never stopped
Not much time for you and me
We had to reach the top
We bought that big two-story house
And soon became the envy of the town
With all our work behind us
We’d finally settled down
Now we live (yes we live) in a two-story house
Whoa, what splendor
But there’s no love about
I’ve got my story
And I’ve got mine too
How sad it is, we now live in a two-story house
The house is filled with rare antiques
There’s marble on the floor
Beauty all around us like we’ve never seen before
There’s chandeliers in every room
Imported silks and satin all about
We filled the house with everything
But somehow left love out
Now we live (yes we live) in a two-story house
Oh, what splendor
But there’s no love about
I’ve got my story
And I’ve got mine too
How sad it is, we now live in a two-story house
How sad it is, we now live in a two-story house

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