Introduction to “These Days (I Barely Get By)” by George Jones
George Jones, often hailed as the “King of Country Music,” is a name synonymous with the genre. His distinctive voice, characterized by its emotional depth and raw authenticity, has captivated audiences for decades.
Background
Released in 1983 as the lead single from his album “High Technology,” “These Days” quickly became a chart-topping success, solidifying Jones’s status as a country music icon. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable lyrics, which explore themes of loneliness, regret, and the passage of time.
The opening lines of “These Days” set the stage for a reflective and introspective journey: “Well, I’ve been thinking ’bout the days gone by/When I was young and carefree, reaching for the sky.” Jones’s voice is filled with a sense of nostalgia as he reminisces about his youth, a time when life seemed simpler and filled with endless possibilities.
As the song progresses, Jones delves deeper into the challenges he has faced in his life. He sings of the “empty spaces” he feels within himself, and the loneliness that has crept into his heart. The lyrics are both poignant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a man struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life.
One of the most striking aspects of “These Days” is Jones’s ability to convey raw emotion through his voice. His delivery is both vulnerable and powerful, capturing the listener’s attention and drawing them into the heart of the song. The instrumental arrangement is simple and understated, allowing Jones’s vocals to take center stage.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I woke up this morning aching with painDon’t think I can work, but I’ll tryThe car’s in the shop so I thumbed all the wayOh, these days I barely get byI walked home from work and it rained all the wayMy wife left and didn’t say whyShe laid all our bills on the desk in the hallOh, these days I barely get byPut my only two dollars on my favorite horseHe lost by a nose and I criedOh, my boss says come winter, we’ll all be laid offOh, these days I barely get byThese days I barely get byI want to give up, lay down and dieWorst of all was when she told me goodbyeWhoa, these days I barely get byWhoa, these days, one barely gets by