The Saddest Songs in History: George Jones If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)

If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will) is  written by Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford, and recorded by American country music artist George Jones. It was released in January 1981 as the third single from his album I Am What I Am (my favorite Jones album!). The song peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will) at Spotify:

When George Jones was divorced from Tammy Wynette in 1975, he went on an epic binge, an excess in cocaine and alcohol. His albums continued to sell ok and his singles were on the charts, he actually recorded some of his most popular songs between 1975 and 1980, but George was a wreck on a personal level.

He started cancelling concerts in large numbers and he got the un-flattering nick name, “No Show Jones”. George Jones went into rehab at a psychiatric hospital in Muscle Shoals. Thank God for that, it was the start of what would be his best record. It is a dark album, full of heartbreak and drinking, good melodies and the velvet voice of the restrained, but strong Mr. Jones.

George Jones – If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will), live:

If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will) (lyrics):

The bars are all closed
It’s four in the morning
Must have shut ’em all down
By the shape that I’m in
I lay my head on the wheel
And the horn begins honking
The whole neighborhood knows
That I’m home drunk again

And if drinking don’t kill me
Her memory will
I can’t hold out much longer
The way that I feel
With the blood from my body
I could start my own still
And if drinking don’t kill me
Her memory will

These old bones they move slow
But so sure of their footsteps
As I trip on the floor
And lightly touch down
Lord it’s been ten bottles
Since I tried to forget her
But the memory still lingers
Lying here on the ground

And if drinking don’t kill me
Her memory will
I can’t hold out much longer
The way that I feel
With the blood from my body
I could start my own still
But if drinking don’t kill me
Her memory will…

– Hallgeir

Check out some other sad songs:

Townes Van Zandt – Marie
Richard and Linda Thompson – Walking on a Wire
Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson – Alexandra Leaving
Billy Bragg – Tank Park Salute