“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
When it comes to heart-wrenching country songs that speak directly to human pain and perseverance, George Jones has no equal. “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is one of those tracks that hits you deep. Released during a period in Jones’ life marked by personal struggles, this song feels like a personal confession wrapped in a melody, making it not just a fan favorite but a profound reflection of the man behind the music.
About The Composition
- Title: If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)
- Composer: Harlan Sanders, Rick Beresford
- Premiere Date: 1980
- Album: I Am What I Am
- Genre: Country (Honky Tonk, Traditional Country)
Background
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me” was released as a single from George Jones’ I Am What I Am album in 1980. The album marked a major comeback for Jones, following a turbulent period in his life marked by addiction and personal difficulties. The song’s themes reflect Jones’ own battles with alcohol and heartbreak, making it all the more poignant. Written by Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford, the song encapsulates the sorrow and self-destruction that can accompany lost love. Jones’ ability to pour his real-life experiences into his music is one of the reasons this song resonated with so many listeners.
Musical Style
The musical style of “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me” fits squarely into the honky-tonk tradition, with its raw, emotional delivery and a strong, straightforward country arrangement. The song relies heavily on traditional instruments like steel guitar and piano, which give it that classic George Jones sound. The melody is simple, allowing the lyrics to shine, while the slow tempo emphasizes the heaviness of the subject matter.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song are a vivid portrait of a man who is trying to drown his sorrows in alcohol but finds no escape from the pain of lost love. The chorus—”If drinking don’t kill me, her memory will”—is a powerful summary of the emotional conflict within the character. The use of alcohol as a metaphor for emotional destruction is a familiar trope in country music, but Jones’ delivery adds an authenticity that makes it feel fresh and personal.
Performance History
Since its release in 1980, “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me” has become one of George Jones’ signature songs. It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, proving its popularity. The song has been performed by Jones in numerous live settings, often receiving standing ovations from audiences who connected with its raw honesty. Over the years, it has been covered by other country artists but never with quite the same emotional depth that Jones brought to it.
Cultural Impact
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me” is not just a song—it’s a cultural statement about the destructive power of grief and addiction. The song has been used in various media as a symbol of despair and heartbreak. Its raw honesty has influenced countless country artists who look to George Jones as a master of emotional storytelling. It has also contributed to the broader cultural narrative of country music as a genre that tells the unvarnished truth about life’s struggles.
Legacy
More than four decades after its release, “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me” remains one of George Jones’ most enduring songs. It is a staple in country music playlists and is often cited as an example of Jones’ ability to transform personal pain into art. The song’s themes of heartache, addiction, and survival continue to resonate with audiences today, ensuring that its legacy lives on in the world of country music.
Conclusion
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is more than just a song—it’s an emotional experience that pulls listeners into the depths of heartbreak. George Jones’ performance of the song is filled with so much sincerity that it feels like a window into his soul. If you’ve never heard this track before, now’s the time to dive in and experience the raw power of country music at its finest. A recommended performance is the live version from George Jones: Live in Tennessee, where his voice carries the weight of every word.
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