About the song
George Jones’s poignant ballad, “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will),” delves deep into the heartache and anguish of lost love, resonating with listeners through its raw emotion and evocative storytelling. Written by Harlan Sanders, Rick Beresford, and Jim McBride, this powerful track was featured on Jones’s album “Shine On” released in 1983.
As one of the standout tracks from the album, “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” showcases Jones’s unparalleled ability to convey complex emotions with his distinctive vocal style. The song’s melancholic lyrics and haunting melody strike a chord with audiences, drawing them into the narrator’s struggle to cope with the pain of a broken heart.
Upon its release, “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans alike, earning a prominent place on the country music charts. George Jones’s heartfelt rendition of the song propelled it to the upper echelons of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it resonated with audiences across the nation.
Throughout his legendary career, George Jones earned numerous accolades and honors, solidifying his status as one of country music’s most revered artists. “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” stands as a testament to Jones’s enduring talent and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Decades after its initial release, “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal, reaffirming George Jones’s legacy as a true icon of country music. Through its poignant lyrics and soul-stirring melody, the song remains a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and heartache in the human experience.
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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