Introduction:
For those of us who cherish the golden age of country music, few names resonate quite like Vern Gosdin. This Louisiana-born singer carved out a niche in the 1960s and 70s with his smooth baritone, his knack for storytelling, and his unwavering dedication to the classic country sound. Among his many gems, Set ‘Em Up Joe, released in 1988, stands out as a poignant ballad that perfectly encapsulates the heartache and solace found within the walls of a honky-tonk bar.
Set ‘Em Up Joe wasn’t just another country weepie. Sure, it deals with the universal theme of heartbreak, but it does so with a quiet dignity and a touch of wry humor. Written by Gosdin himself alongside Dean Dillon and Buddy Cannon, the song unfolds over a backdrop of classic country instrumentation – a twangy guitar line, a mournful pedal steel, and the steady pulse of a drumbeat. The production, overseen by Bob Montgomery, is understated, allowing Gosdin’s voice to take center stage.
Now, Gosdin’s voice deserves a paragraph of its own. Often compared to the legendary Lefty Frizzell, it possessed a richness and a vulnerability that could disarm even the most hardened listener. In Set ‘Em Up Joe, he inhabits the persona of a man drowning his sorrows in a bar. The lyrics paint a picture of a worn-down juke joint, filled with the ghosts of memories and the echoes of heartbreak. The repeated refrain, “Set ’em up Joe, and play Walkin’ the Floor,” becomes a desperate plea, a longing for solace in the familiar strains of a classic country ballad about lost love.
Set ‘Em Up Joe wasn’t an instant smash hit, but it resonated deeply with country music traditionalists. It climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a testament to Gosdin’s enduring appeal and the song’s ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. More importantly, Set ‘Em Up Joe became a staple of his live shows, a song that allowed him to showcase his vocal prowess and his ability to connect with his audience.
Set ‘Em Up Joe is more than just a country song; it’s a slice of Americana. It captures the atmosphere of a bygone era, a time when the local honky-tonk served as a refuge for the lonely and heartbroken. With its relatable theme, its stellar performance, and its spot-on production, Set ‘Em Up Joe stands as a testament to Vern Gosdin’s legacy – a singer who kept the flame of classic country music burning brightly.