George Jones, a towering figure in country music often referred to as “The Possum” for his unconventional yet powerful vocals, wasn’t known for shying away from emotional turmoil. Throughout his long career, his songs explored the raw vulnerability of heartbreak, the solace found in vices, and the complexities of human relationships. Released in 1981 on his album I Am What I Am, “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” stands as a stark portrait of a man drowning his sorrows in alcohol, haunted by the lingering memory of a lost love.
The song, penned by Harlan Sanders and Rick Beresford, wasn’t a chart-topper, but it resonated deeply with fans and became a staple of Jones’ repertoire. Produced by Billy Sherrill, known for crafting Jones’ signature “weepin’ steel” sound, the song creates a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the despairing lyrics. The mournful wail of the pedal steel guitar intertwines with Jones’ voice, raspy with emotion and heavy with regret.
“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” isn’t a celebration of drinking. It’s a lament, a desperate attempt to escape the pain of a broken heart. The opening lines paint a vivid picture of a man stumbling home intoxicated, the world distorted by his inebriated state. The lyrics, delivered with raw honesty by Jones, speak of a love so profound that even death seems preferable to living without it.
The despair deepens as the song progresses. The repeated line “If drinkin’ don’t kill me, her memory will” becomes a desperate plea, a testament to the all-consuming nature of the heartache. Jones masterfully conveys the cyclical nature of the narrator’s torment – seeking solace in alcohol only to be further consumed by the painful memories it fails to erase.
“If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)” serves as a cautionary tale, a glimpse into the depths of despair that can follow a broken heart. As we delve deeper into this song, we’ll explore not just the evocative songwriting and the raw emotion of Jones’ performance, but also the complex relationship between love, loss, and the human desire to escape pain, even if it means embracing a destructive path.