George Jones – I Turn to You

George Jones, the undisputed “Possum,” possessed a vocal timbre that could evoke a spectrum of emotions, from raw, unbridled joy to a desolate, soul-crushing sorrow. His rendition of “I Turn to You” is a poignant testament to the latter, a masterclass in heartbreak delivered with a vocal nuance that few could match.

Background

Released in 1987 as part of the album Wine Colored Roses, “I Turn to You” found Jones at a crossroads in his career. The song arrived amidst a period when the country music landscape was undergoing significant transformation, with a burgeoning influx of pop-inflected sounds.

His voice, weathered and world-weary, carries the weight of a lifetime of heartbreak. It is a voice that speaks directly to the soul, bypassing the intellect to connect with the deepest recesses of human emotion.

On “I Turn to You,” Jones’ vocal performance is nothing short of magisterial. His phrasing is impeccable, his intonation flawless. He imbues every word with a sense of longing and regret that is both palpable and devastating.

“I Turn to You” is a quintessential George Jones performance, a song that captures the essence of his artistry. It is a reminder of why he is considered by many to be the greatest country singer of all time.

In a world of disposable pop, Jones’ enduring legacy is a testament to the enduring power of real music, music that comes from the heart and speaks directly to the soul.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Rivers turn to oceans and flow on to the sea,
embers turn to ashes, and love to memories.
Rain turns to rainbows and gray skies turn to blue.
But when the world turns on me I turn to you.

A thirsty man needs water.
A bluebird needs the sky.
A man needs his woman
or he’ll wither up and die.
Roses need sunshine.
Violets need the dew.
But not half as much as I need you.

Deep in my soul, and always on my mind,
forever in my heart, you’re the light that shines.
Someone to hold when no one else will do.
When the world turns on me I turn to you.
When the world turns on my I turn to you.