George Jones – If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will): A Descent into Sorrow with a Country Twang
For those familiar with the rich tapestry of country music, the name George Jones evokes a powerful image: a singer whose voice embodied heartache, resilience, and the raw emotions of life. Among his vast collection of songs that paint vivid portraits of the human experience, If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will) stands out as a poignant ballad, a desperate plea for escape from the clutches of a haunting memory.
Background
Released in 1981, the song arrived at a pivotal time in Jones’ career. His signature style, often referred to as “honky-tonk,” had already secured him a place as a country music legend. If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will) showcased the depth of his artistry, his voice a powerful instrument capable of conveying the most profound sadness.
The song’s narrative delves into the depths of despair following a heartbreaking loss. The lyrics, penned by Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford, paint a picture of a man drowning his sorrows in alcohol, unable to escape the ghost of a past love.
The chorus serves as a powerful refrain, Jones’ voice reaching a peak of despair as he sings of the memory being as potent a killer as the alcohol itself. The repeated line “If drinkin’ don’t kill me, her memory will” underscores the protagonist’s utter hopelessness, his inability to find solace anywhere.
The musical arrangement perfectly complements the emotional weight of the lyrics. A slow, mournful tempo sets the stage, punctuated by the twang of a steel guitar that evokes a sense of lonesome heartache. Jones’ vocals are raw and unfiltered, leaving no doubt about the depth of his character’s pain.
If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will) has transcended its time, becoming a cornerstone of country music playlists and a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced loss.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
The bars are all closedIt’s four in the mornin’I must have shut ’em all downBy the shape that I’m inI lay my head on the wheelAnd the horn begins honkin’The whole neighborhood knowsThat I’m home drunk againIf drinkin’ don’t kill meHer memory willI can’t hold out much longerThe way that I feelWith the blood from my bodyI could start my own stillBut if drinkin’ don’t kill meHer memory will