“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
The haunting echo of George Jones’ voice in “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is a powerful reminder of the deep sorrow and heartbreak that country music can convey. This song, released during a period of personal turmoil in Jones’ life, resonates with listeners who have experienced the painful aftermath of lost love. It’s more than just a song; it’s a raw and emotional portrayal of coping with grief through the destructive embrace of alcohol.
About The Composition
- Title: If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)
- Composer: Billy Sherrill, Gary Stewart
- Premiere Date: October 1980
- Album/Opus/Collection: I Am What I Am
- Genre: Country
Background
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is a poignant reflection of the struggles George Jones faced in his personal life. Released in 1980 as part of his critically acclaimed album I Am What I Am, the song came at a time when Jones was grappling with substance abuse and the collapse of his marriage to Tammy Wynette. The songwriters, Billy Sherrill and Gary Stewart, crafted lyrics that perfectly encapsulated the despair and resignation of a man trying to drown his sorrows in alcohol, only to find that his memories are just as potent and deadly. The song was well-received, climbing to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and it remains a standout in Jones’ extensive catalog.
Musical Style
The musical style of “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is rooted in traditional country, with a slow, melancholic melody that underscores the lyrics’ deep emotional weight. The arrangement is straightforward, allowing Jones’ expressive vocals to take center stage. The use of pedal steel guitar and a gentle rhythm section enhances the song’s sorrowful tone, creating a somber atmosphere that perfectly complements the theme of the lyrics. The simplicity of the musical arrangement lets the raw emotion shine through, making the song resonate deeply with listeners.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” are a stark portrayal of a man who is overwhelmed by the memories of a lost love. The chorus, in particular, captures the essence of his despair:
“If drinking don’t kill me, her memory will,”
This line starkly expresses the dual torment of the narrator, torn between the physical toll of alcohol and the emotional agony of lost love. The lyrics are a testament to the destructive cycle of trying to forget pain through drinking, only to find that the memories are even more unbearable. The simplicity and directness of the words make them all the more powerful, painting a vivid picture of a man caught in a downward spiral.
Performance History
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” has been performed countless times by George Jones, often becoming a centerpiece of his live shows. His live performances of this song were known for their intensity and emotional depth, with Jones’ voice conveying the same pain and vulnerability that made the recording so memorable. Over the years, this song has become one of the defining tracks of Jones’ career, frequently covered by other country artists who admire its emotional honesty and straightforward depiction of heartache.
Cultural Impact
The song’s impact extends beyond the realm of country music, resonating with audiences who may not have experienced similar struggles but can nonetheless feel the raw emotion in Jones’ performance. It’s a song that has been referenced and covered by numerous artists, both within and outside of the country genre, as a powerful example of how music can express deep personal pain. The song also highlights the connection between country music and themes of personal struggle, making it a poignant example of the genre’s storytelling tradition.
Legacy
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” continues to be regarded as one of George Jones’ most iconic songs. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of loss, grief, and the coping mechanisms people turn to in times of sorrow. The song remains relevant today, often cited as a classic example of country music’s ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. For fans of Jones and country music as a whole, this song is a reminder of the genre’s power to convey deep and often painful emotions in a way that resonates across generations.
Conclusion
Reflecting on “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will),” it’s impossible not to be moved by the raw emotion and authenticity that George Jones brings to the song. It’s a piece that speaks to the human condition, to the ways we all cope with loss and heartache. For anyone who has ever turned to music for solace in difficult times, this song is a powerful reminder of the healing power of melody and lyrics. I encourage you to listen to this song, especially the live versions, to fully appreciate the depth of emotion that George Jones was able to convey.
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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