George Jones, a name synonymous with the heart and soul of country music, delivers a poignant and introspective performance in his rendition of “Choices”. The song, a masterclass in storytelling and vocal artistry, finds Jones at the zenith of his powers, his voice a weathered instrument that resonates with the depth of human experience.
Background
Released as the lead single from his 1999 album, The Cold Hard Truth, “Choices” is a departure from the traditional honky-tonk fare that often defined Jones’s career. It is a song of reflection, a somber contemplation of life’s crossroads and the irrevocable paths taken.
Jones’s vocal performance is nothing short of extraordinary. His voice, rich with character and emotion, conveys a lifetime of triumphs and tribulations. Every inflection, every nuance, is laden with meaning, creating a performance that is as raw as it is refined.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Billy Yates and Mike Curtis, are simple yet profound. They paint a vivid picture of a man looking back on his life, reckoning with the choices made and the roads not taken. The imagery is evocative, the language spare and direct.
“Choices” is a testament to George Jones’s enduring artistry. It is a song that transcends genre, resonating with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
It is a reminder of the power of music to connect us on a deeply human level, to evoke empathy, and to inspire reflection. In the hands of a lesser artist, “Choices” might have been a mere ballad. But in the hands of George Jones, it is a timeless masterpiece.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I’ve had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today
Living and dying with the choices I’ve madeI was tempted, by an early age I found
I liked drinkin’, oh, and I never turned it down
There were loved ones but I turned them all away
Now I’m living and dying with the choices I’ve made
Harley