About the song
“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is a deeply emotional song recorded by the legendary country artist George Jones. Released in January 1981 as the third single from his acclaimed album *I Am What I Am*, the song reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, further solidifying Jones’ return to prominence after a challenging period in his career.
The song was penned by Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford, capturing the raw and poignant essence of Jones’ struggles with personal demons. It reflects the artist’s battle with his own addiction issues and the ongoing pain from a troubled past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with the pain of lost love and excessive drinking, portraying a sense of hopelessness that resonates deeply with listeners.
By 1981, George Jones had experienced a significant revival in his career. His previous hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” had marked a triumphant comeback, bringing him back into the spotlight after a period of decline. Despite this professional success, Jones’ personal life remained tumultuous, plagued by ongoing struggles with cocaine addiction and alcoholism. The song “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me” reflects the turmoil in his personal life, with lyrics that describe drinking “twenty bottles” and falling out of cars at all hours of the morning.
Jones’ personal battles were well-known, and he often addressed them with a mix of candor and bravado. In his 1995 memoir, *I Lived to Tell It All*, Jones acknowledged his struggles and the public perception of his personal life. He noted that he sometimes altered the lyrics of the song in public performances to reflect his own experiences with his ex-wife, Tammy Wynette, and the public’s fascination with his tumultuous life.
The song’s blend of heartache and raw honesty showcases Jones’ ability to channel his personal pain into his music, creating a piece that is both deeply personal and widely relatable. It stands as a testament to Jones’ resilience and his unflinching honesty about his struggles. Despite the dark themes, the song remains a powerful part of his legacy, illustrating both his exceptional talent and his ability to confront his own vulnerabilities through his art.
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Lyrics
The bars are all closed
It’s four in the mornin’
I must have shut ’em all down
By the shape that I’m in
I lay my head on the wheel
And the horn begins honkin’
The whole neighborhood knows
That I’m home drunk again
If drinkin’ 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 drinkin’ 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 I lightly touch down
Lord, it’s been ten bottles
Since I tried to forget her
But the mem’ry still lingers
Lyin’ here on the ground
And if drinkin’ 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 drinkin’ don’t kill me
Her memory will