In the realm of country music, where heartfelt narratives and emotive melodies intertwine, few voices resonate as profoundly as that of George Jones. Renowned as the “Possum,” Jones’s distinctive baritone, imbued with a raw vulnerability, has captivated audiences for decades.
Among his vast repertoire, “Who’s Gonna Chop My Baby’s Kindlin’ (When I’m Gone)” stands as a poignant testament to his enduring legacy.
Background
Released in 1962 as the B-side to his hit single “White Lightning,” “Who’s Gonna Chop My Baby’s Kindlin'” quickly garnered attention for its evocative imagery and poignant exploration of domestic themes. Penned by Harlan Howard and Bill Anderson, the song delves into the anxieties of a man facing the prospect of his own mortality and the subsequent challenges his absence would impose on his loved ones.
The song’s title, a seemingly mundane task, serves as a powerful metaphor for the myriad responsibilities that fall upon a man’s shoulders. The image of chopping kindlin’, a chore often associated with the male domain, evokes a sense of duty and protectiveness.
By questioning who will fulfill this essential role in his absence, Jones underscores the profound impact his departure would have on his family’s well-being.
“Who’s Gonna Chop My Baby’s Kindlin’ (When I’m Gone)” is a poignant and timeless ballad that explores the complexities of love, loss, and mortality. George Jones’s emotive performance, coupled with the evocative lyrics, transforms a seemingly mundane task into a powerful metaphor for the enduring bonds of family and the profound impact of absence.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level, reminding us of the importance of cherishing loved ones and making the most of every moment.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Chorus:
Hold back the rushing minutes, make the wind lie still
Don’t let the moonlight shine across the lonely hill
Dry all the raindrops and hold back the sun
My world has ended, my baby’s gone
The milkman whistles softly as he comes up to my door
The mailman brings the letters just like he did before
They seem so busy all day long as though there’s nothing wrong
Don’t they know the world has ended, my baby’s gone
Chorus:
Hold back the rushing minutes, make the wind lie still
Don’t let the moonlight shine across the lonely hill
Dry all the raindrops and hold back the sun
My world has ended, my baby’s gone
— Instrumental —
I wake up sometime in the night and realize you’re gone
And then I toss upon my bed and wait for day to come
I try to tell my lonely heart it must go on alone
But it cries the world has ended, my baby’s gone
Chorus:
Hold back the rushing minutes, make the wind lie still
Don’t let the moonlight shine across the lonely hill
Dry all the raindrops and hold back the sun
My world has ended, my baby’s gone
My world has ended, my baby’s gone…
Harley