Country Music

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George Jones – If Drinking Dont Kill Me Her Memory Will

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

The first time I heard George Jones’s “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will),” I was captivated by the raw emotion and authenticity in his voice. The song’s poignant exploration of heartache and coping resonated deeply with me, showcasing the timeless power of country music to touch the soul.

About The Composition

  • Title: If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)
  • Composer: Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford
  • Premiere Date: December 1980
  • Album: I Am What I Am
  • Genre: Country Music

Background

“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is a heartfelt country song penned by Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford. Performed by the legendary George Jones, it was released as the third single from his album I Am What I Am in December 1980. At the time, Jones was grappling with personal struggles, including battles with alcohol, which added a layer of authenticity to his performance. The song reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, resonating with audiences and critics alike. Its sincere portrayal of pain and resilience solidified its significance in Jones’s illustrious repertoire.

Musical Style

The song embodies traditional country music elements with a slow tempo and melancholic melody that accentuates its somber themes. Instrumentation includes classic acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and subtle percussion, creating an intimate backdrop for Jones’s emotive vocals. His distinctive voice conveys deep sorrow and vulnerability, drawing listeners into the narrative. The straightforward structure allows the lyrical content to shine, making the emotional impact more profound.

Lyrics

The lyrics delve into the story of a man attempting to numb the pain of lost love through drinking. Despite his efforts, he realizes that the memory of his former lover is more likely to be his undoing than the alcohol itself. Themes of heartache, addiction, and the struggle to escape painful memories are central to the song. The honest and relatable storytelling strikes a chord with many who have faced similar emotional turmoil.

Performance History

Following its release, “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” became a staple in George Jones’s performances. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, testament to its enduring appeal. Its reception remained strong, with fans appreciating its depth and critics praising Jones’s heartfelt delivery. The song’s place in the country music canon is well-established, often cited as one of Jones’s most impactful works.

Cultural Impact

The song has transcended its initial release to become a classic in the genre, influencing countless artists and songwriters. Its exploration of personal demons and emotional pain has been referenced in other media, including films and television shows that aim to portray raw human experiences. The song contributes to broader cultural conversations about coping mechanisms and the complexities of love and loss.

Legacy

“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” continues to resonate with audiences today, reflecting the timeless nature of its themes. The song underscores George Jones’s legacy as a masterful storyteller who could convey profound emotion through his music. It remains a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience in the face of heartache.

Conclusion

This song stands as a poignant example of George Jones’s ability to touch listeners’ hearts with sincerity and depth. I encourage you to listen to the original recording on the I Am What I Am album to experience its emotional richness firsthand. It’s a compelling piece that continues to offer solace and understanding to those navigating the complexities of love and memory

Video

Lyrics

The bars are all closed
It’s four in the mornin’
I must have shut ’em all down
By the shape that I’m in
I lay my head on the wheel
And the horn begins honkin’
The whole neighborhood knows
That I’m home drunk again
If drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will
I can’t hold out much longer
The way that I feel
With the blood from my body
I could start my own still
But if drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will
These old bones, they move slow
But so sure of their footsteps
As I trip on the floor
And I lightly touch down
Lord, it’s been ten bottles
Since I tried to forget her
But the mem’ry still lingers
Lyin’ here on the ground
And if drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will
I can’t hold out much longer
The way that I feel
With the blood from my body
I could start my own still
But if drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will

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GEORGE JONES WAS SO NERVOUS PLAYING GUITAR FOR HANK WILLIAMS THAT HE BLEW THE SOLO. HANK WAS STILL THE REASON HE NEVER LEFT MUSIC. Before George Jones became the voice people called country music’s greatest, he was a skinny teenager trying to stay close to a radio microphone in Beaumont, Texas. He had already been singing for tips on street corners. He had already learned that a guitar could do more for a poor kid than most people around him expected. By the late 1940s, he had found work around KRIC Radio, playing wherever there was a slot, a local show, or a singer who needed another guitar. Then Hank Williams came through town. For George, Hank was not just another guest on the program. He was the man whose records had taken over his head. George later said he could barely think about anything else when Hank had a new song on the radio. Hank Williams was the sound he wanted to become before he had any idea that a singer needed his own sound to last. In 1949, Hank appeared live at KRIC. George was asked to play lead guitar on “Wedding Bells.” The moment came, and George froze. He was so excited about standing near Hank Williams that he blew the solo. The notes went wrong. The part he had probably practiced in his mind a hundred times came apart in front of the one person he wanted to impress most. But Hank did not make George forget the night. He made him remember it forever. George kept playing. He went into the Marines. He came back to Texas. He made records nobody bought at first. He sang too much like Hank, too much like Lefty Frizzell, too much like every hero whose voice had filled his childhood radio. Then, slowly, George Jones found the break in his own voice. The one that could hold a note until it sounded like a man had nowhere left to hide. Years later, George would become one of the few singers country music placed beside Hank Williams instead of behind him. But before all of that, he was just a nervous kid in a Beaumont radio studio, missing a guitar solo because Hank Williams had walked into the room.