Introduction
When you think about country music, certain themes come to mind—love, loss, and the kind of sorrow that can only be soothed by a bottle of whiskey. George Jones’ “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is the epitome of that emotional landscape. It’s a song that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever been down on their luck, feeling as if there’s no escape from the pain of lost love. As Jones himself was no stranger to heartache and personal battles, this song became a mirror for his own experiences and those of his listeners.
About The Composition
- Title: If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)
- Composer: Harlan Sanders, Rick Beresford
- Premiere Date: Released in January 1981
- Album: I Am What I Am
- Genre: Country (subgenre: Honky-tonk, Traditional Country)
Background
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” was released as a part of George Jones’ I Am What I Am album, during a time when he was battling his own personal demons. Co-written by Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford, the song perfectly encapsulates the essence of Jones’ life—a man torn between the bottle and the painful memories of love gone wrong. The song was not only a commercial success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, but it also solidified George Jones’ standing as the “King of Broken Hearts.” At the time of its release, Jones’ tumultuous personal life, including his struggles with alcohol, made this song feel like more than just a ballad—it was a personal confession wrapped in country music tradition.
Musical Style
Musically, the song is classic George Jones. It’s slow-paced, heavy on traditional country instrumentation like steel guitars, and anchored by Jones’ signature vocal delivery—a mixture of deep sorrow and raw, unfiltered emotion. The structure is simple but effective, with the verses and choruses repeating in a way that amplifies the song’s themes of cyclical heartbreak and self-destruction. The instrumental arrangement complements the lyrical despair, with the pedal steel guitar crying out in the background like a companion to the singer’s lament. This sparse, traditional approach enhances the raw emotion, making the listener feel every word.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” are brutally honest, telling the story of a man drowning his sorrows in alcohol but finding no solace, as the memories of a lost love haunt him still. The chorus captures the theme perfectly:
“If drinking don’t kill me, her memory will / I can’t hold out much longer, the way that I feel.”
The words paint a vivid picture of a man at the end of his rope, torn between the destructive force of his addiction and the overwhelming grief that refuses to let him go. The balance between poetic storytelling and brutal honesty makes the song relatable to anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love.
Performance History
Since its release in 1981, the song has become one of George Jones’ most memorable tracks. It was a staple of his live performances and has been covered by various country artists over the years, further cementing its place in the country music canon. It was often seen as a reflection of Jones’ personal battles, which added to the authenticity of his live renditions. Each performance seemed to carry a weight that transcended the stage, as if Jones was reliving his own struggles every time he sang the words.
Cultural Impact
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” has had a lasting cultural impact, not just within the realm of country music but also in how it portrays themes of addiction and heartbreak in such a raw and relatable way. The song became emblematic of the honky-tonk tradition, where the line between the singer’s personal life and the lyrics they performed was often blurred. Its use in television shows and movies that explore the darker side of life has further contributed to its legacy as one of the quintessential country songs of its time.
Legacy
The enduring legacy of “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” lies in its unflinching portrayal of human frailty. Over the years, it has remained a fan favorite, not just because of its heartbreaking lyrics and emotional delivery, but because it speaks to a universal truth—everyone experiences loss, and everyone copes with that loss in different ways. For George Jones, and many others, alcohol was both a refuge and a prison. Today, the song is a testament to Jones’ ability to turn his pain into art that continues to resonate with listeners, long after his passing.
Conclusion
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” stands as one of George Jones’ most impactful songs, both for its musical merit and the personal struggles it mirrors. It’s more than just a country ballad—it’s a reflection of the human condition, of how we grapple with love, loss, and the things we do to forget. Whether you’re a country music aficionado or someone who simply appreciates songs with raw emotion, this is one track that will hit you right in the heart. I encourage you to listen to the song, perhaps even Jones’ live performances, to fully grasp the depth of emotion and authenticity he brings to the piece
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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