Introduction:
Country music legend George Jones released the poignant ballad “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” in 1981. While not a chart-topping hit, the song has become a cornerstone of Jones’ vast discography, revered for its raw portrayal of heartbreak and the desperate solace sought in alcohol. Billy Sherrill, a record producer known for his polished “countrypolitan” sound with artists like Tammy Wynette, helmed the recording. “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” stands as a departure from Sherrill’s usual production style, leaning instead into a more stripped-down, emotionally charged atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s sorrowful lyrics.
The despair depicted in the song resonates deeply with listeners. Jones, known for his distinctive, powerful vocals, delivers a heart-wrenching performance, his voice thick with emotion as he sings of a love lost. The lyrics paint a picture of a man drowning his sorrows in drink, seeking oblivion from the pain of his memories. The very title, “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)”, establishes a sense of hopelessness, suggesting that escape from this emotional torment seems impossible.
The song’s narrative unfolds through a series of vivid details. The speaker describes the physical toll his drinking is taking – “With the blood from my body, I could start my own still” – while simultaneously acknowledging that the alcohol offers no real relief – “But if drinkin’ don’t kill me, her memory will.” The imagery of him stumbling home drunk, the honking car horn alerting the entire neighborhood, further emphasizes his desperation. Each line reinforces the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of self-destruction fueled by grief.
“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” may not have been a mainstream success upon its release, but its enduring power lies in its unflinching portrayal of emotional vulnerability. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the pain of a lost love, offering a cathartic release through its raw honesty. The song’s legacy is further cemented by Jones’ iconic performance, a masterclass in conveying heartache through sheer vocal power. “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” stands as a testament to George Jones’ artistry, his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, and his willingness to explore the darker corners of human emotion.
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Lyrics:
The bars are all closedIt’s four in the mornin’I must have shut ’em all downBy the shape that I’m in
I lay my head on the wheelAnd the horn begins honkin’The whole neighborhood knowsThat I’m home drunk again
If drinkin’ don’t kill meHer memory willI can’t hold out much longerThe way that I feel
With the blood from my bodyI could start my own stillBut if drinkin’ don’t kill meHer memory will
These old bones, they move slowBut so sure of their footstepsAs I trip on the floorAnd I lightly touch down
Lord, it’s been ten bottlesSince I tried to forget herBut the mem’ry still lingersLyin’ here on the ground
And if drinkin’ don’t kill meHer memory willI can’t hold out much longerThe way that I feel
With the blood from my bodyI could start my own stillBut if drinkin’ don’t kill meHer memory will