Released in 1981, it became a signature song for “The Possum,” as Jones was affectionately known, showcasing both his unparalleled vocal delivery and the thematic territory he so masterfully inhabited.
Background
By the late 70s, George was a well-established country music legend. His voice, a sandpaper caress that could crack with emotion or purr with melancholy, had already delivered countless hits like “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “The Grand Tour.”
It’s important to note that the song wasn’t written by Jones himself, but by Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford. However, Jones’ masterful delivery breathes life into the lyrics, transforming them into a deeply personal confession.
His signature phrasing, the way he bends and stretches notes, perfectly captures the character’s desperation and vulnerability.
“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” became a staple of Jones’ live performances. Fans connected with the raw emotion he poured into the song, recognizing a reflection of their own struggles. It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1981, solidifying its place as a country music classic.
So, when you listen to “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)”, prepare to be transported into a world of raw emotion. It’s a song that lays bare the human condition, a testament to the enduring power of George Jones’ voice and the timeless themes of heartbreak and regret.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
The bars are all closedIt’s four in the mornin’I must have shut ’em all downBy the shape that I’m inI lay my head on the wheelAnd the horn begins honkin’The whole neighborhood knowsThat I’m home drunk againIf drinkin’ don’t kill meHer memory willI can’t hold out much longerThe way that I feelWith the blood from my bodyI could start my own stillBut if drinkin’ don’t kill meHer memory willThese old bones, they move slowBut so sure of their footstepsAs I trip on the floorAnd I lightly touch down
Harley