About the song
“The Door” is a poignant song performed by the iconic country artist George Jones, written by Billy Sherrill and Norro Wilson. Released in October 1974 as the lead single from his album *The Best of George Jones*, it marked Jones’ sixth number one solo hit on the country charts. The song held the top spot for one week and remained on the charts for a total of ten weeks.
The composition of “The Door” is a testament to Jones’ deep emotional range and the distinctive production style of Billy Sherrill. The song narrates the story of a former soldier who, despite enduring the horrors of war, finds himself most profoundly wounded by the departure of his loved one. The central metaphor—the sound of a door closing—serves as a powerful symbol of heartbreak and loss. The poignant lyrics express the soldier’s realization that, among all his experiences, the loss of his loved one is the most painful:
*“And of earthquakes, storms and guns and war / Lord, nothin’ has ever hurt me more / Than that lonely sound / The closing of the door.”*
In recording the song, Sherrill’s dedication to capturing the right mood led to an unusual but memorable choice: the sound effect of a door closing was created using the door from his own office. This detail reflects Sherrill’s meticulous approach to production, which is evident in the song’s dramatic, countrypolitan style, featuring lush strings and emotional crescendos that complement Jones’ heartfelt performance.
Despite its success, Jones later reflected that the song might have reached a wider audience if not for its somber themes related to the Vietnam War. In a 1994 interview, he mentioned that the song’s heavy subject matter may have limited its appeal. Nevertheless, “The Door” was a significant part of a highly successful period in Jones’ career. In 1974, he enjoyed a remarkable comeback with several hit records, including “The Grand Tour” and “The Telephone Call,” solidifying his place as a leading figure in country music.
Rich Kienzle, in his essay for *The Essential George Jones: The Spirit of Country*, highlighted that, despite the ornate orchestration typical of Sherrill’s productions, Jones’ voice remained the focal point, captivating listeners with its raw emotion and sincerity. This song, like many of Jones’ greatest hits, is a testament to his unparalleled ability to convey profound feelings through music.
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Lyrics
I’ve heard the sound of my dear old momma crying
And the sound of the train that took me off to war
And the awful sound of a thousand bombs exploding
And I wondered if I could take it anymoreThere were times when they almost drove me crazy
But I did my best, I took it like a man
But who would think in my lonely room I’d hear it
The one sound in the world my heart can’t standTo hear that sound and to know its really over
Through tear-stained eyes I watched her walk away
And of earthquakes, storms and guns and wars
Lord, nothing has ever hurt me more than that lonely sound
The closing of the doorAnd of earthquakes, storms and guns and wars
Lord nothing has ever hurt me more than that lonely sound
The closing of the door