Emerging from the golden age of country music, Jim Reeves’ “He’ll Have To Go” (1959) stands as a captivating ballad that transcends the genre’s traditional themes. While rooted in the classic countrypolitan style, the song delves into a surprisingly complex emotional landscape, exploring jealousy, possessiveness, and the desperate struggle to hold onto love.
Composed by the husband-and-wife songwriting duo of Joe and Audrey Allison, “He’ll Have To Go” perfectly complements Reeves’ smooth baritone and signature melancholic charm. Released in the fall of 1959, the song quickly rose to prominence, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and achieving surprising crossover success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Produced by Shelby Singleton, a legendary figure in country music production who later helmed the careers of artists like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, “He’ll Have To Go” boasts a lush and dramatic soundscape. Lush string arrangements swirl around the gentle strum of acoustic guitars, while a steady drumbeat propels the narrative forward. However, the true emotional weight of the song rests on Reeves’ masterful delivery.
The lyrics paint a picture of a man desperately clinging to a failing relationship. He pleads with his lover over the phone, urging her to choose him over another man who is present. Lines like “Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone / Let’s pretend that we’re together all alone” and “Though love is blind make up your mind / I’ve got to know / Should I hang up or will you tell him he’ll have to go” capture the raw vulnerability and possessiveness that fuel his desperation.
While “He’ll Have To Go” might raise eyebrows in today’s social climate with its themes of possessiveness and control, it remains a significant entry in the vast catalogue of country music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Reeves’ captivating vocals and the timeless theme of love’s complexities. “He’ll Have To Go” stands as a powerful reminder of the emotional turmoil that can arise in the face of potential loss, solidifying its place as a countrypolitan classic.
Tam Le