About The Song
If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will): A Heartbreak Ballad by George Jones
In the realm of country music, few artists have captured the raw emotions of heartbreak and despair quite like George Jones. With his hauntingly expressive vocals and poignant songwriting, Jones earned the moniker “The Possum” for his ability to embody the struggles and sorrows of the common man. Among his extensive discography, one song stands out as a particularly potent testament to the lingering pain of lost love: “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)”.
Released in 1981, “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is a heart-wrenching ballad that chronicles the self-destructive spiral of a man drowning his sorrows in alcohol to escape the haunting memories of his lost love. The song opens with a weary protagonist stumbling home from a night of heavy drinking, his inebriated state a desperate attempt to numb the emotional turmoil that consumes him.
As the verses unfold, the singer’s desperation deepens, and he confesses his inability to outrun the memories of his former lover. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man haunted by the ghosts of his past, his every waking moment a reminder of the love he has lost.
The chorus serves as a chilling refrain, a stark realization that even if alcohol fails to extinguish his life, the torment of his memories will surely consume him. “If drinkin’ don’t kill me, her memory will,” he laments, his voice heavy with despair and resignation.
“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” is not merely a song about heartbreak; it’s a profound exploration of the human condition, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming grief. Jones’s masterful delivery, infused with raw emotion and vulnerability, elevates the song to a level of poignancy that few other artists could achieve.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Anyone who has experienced the pain of a lost love can find solace and understanding in Jones’s heartfelt lyrics and emotive vocals. “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” stands as a timeless classic in the country music canon, a poignant reminder of the power of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit.