About the Song
George Jones, the undisputed “Possum” of country music, was known for his powerful voice, his hard-living lifestyle, and his deeply emotional songs. “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is a quintessential Jones track, a honky-tonk heartbreak ballad that perfectly encapsulates the singer’s legendary status and his ability to channel raw, unfiltered emotion.
Released in 1981 as part of his album I Am What I Am, the song quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of his live performances. Penned by Harlan Sanders and Billy Sherrill, “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me” tells the all-too-familiar tale of a man drowning his sorrows in whiskey to try and erase the memory of a lost love. The lyrics are simple yet potent, painting a vivid picture of despair and desperation. Lines like “The jukebox is playin’ her favorite song” and “The bartender keeps fillin’ my glass up again” perfectly capture the atmosphere of a lonely honky-tonk bar where our protagonist seeks solace, or perhaps oblivion.
What truly elevates this song, however, is Jones’s vocal delivery. His voice, weathered by years of hard living and heartbreak, drips with authenticity and pain. He sings every line with a conviction that can only come from someone who has lived through the emotions he’s describing. The way he bends and stretches notes, the subtle cracks and tremors in his voice, all contribute to the song’s overall sense of raw vulnerability.
“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me” is a masterpiece of country music storytelling. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever loved and lost, who has ever sought refuge in a bottle to escape the pain of a broken heart. It’s a testament to George Jones’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest vocalists and interpreters of country music’s most timeless themes. So pour yourself a drink, settle in, and let the Possum take you on a journey through the depths of heartbreak and despair with “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me”.