“Choices” is one of those songs that stops you in your tracks. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, it hits with the weight of a confession, the kind of truth that only comes from lived experience. Written by Billy Yates and Mike Curtis and famously recorded by George Jones, this song captures the profound simplicity of a life laid bare—a raw and unflinching look at the consequences of our decisions.
The magic of “Choices” lies in its honesty. It’s not sugar-coated or dressed up with metaphor. Instead, it feels like a heartfelt conversation, like someone sitting down to tell you their story without pretense or filter. George Jones’s voice, aged and textured with life’s highs and lows, brings an authenticity to the song that’s impossible to replicate. Every note feels like it’s been earned through years of mistakes, triumphs, and reflection.
What makes this song truly special is its universal appeal. We’ve all made choices we’re proud of and others we wish we could take back. “Choices” reminds us that every path we take shapes who we are, and it asks us to face those moments with courage. It’s as much about redemption as it is about regret, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Hearing “Choices” is like being invited into someone’s soul—raw, vulnerable, and deeply real. It’s no wonder this song has become a cornerstone of George Jones’s legendary career and a powerful anthem for anyone who’s ever wrestled with their past
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Lyrics
Chorus:
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 made
I 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
Chorus:
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 made
— Instrumental —
I guess I’m payin’
For the things that I have done
If I could go back
Oh, Lord knows I’d run
But I’m still losin’
This game of life I play
Living and dying
With the choices I’ve made
Chorus:
I’ve had choices
Since the day that I was born
There were voices
That told me right from wrong
If I had listened
I wouldn’t be here today
Living and dying
With the choices I’ve made
— Instrumental —
Living and dying
With the choices I’ve made…