About the song
Let’s explore the poignant song “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” by George Jones, a heartfelt tribute to the legends of country music and a reflection on the passage of time within the genre. Released in 1985, this song was written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes and featured on George Jones’s album of the same name.
George Jones, a titan of country music known for his emotive voice and compelling storytelling, delivers a powerful message in “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes.” The song pays homage to the pioneers and icons of country music who shaped the genre, asking the poignant question of who will carry on their legacy in the face of changing times. It resonates deeply with listeners who appreciate the rich history and traditions of country music.
Released as a single, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” climbed the charts, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1985. Its success underscored its relevance and struck a chord with fans who admired George Jones’s ability to convey emotion and meaning through his music.
Throughout his career, George Jones distinguished himself not only as a performer but also as a storyteller who captured the essence of life’s joys and sorrows. His rendition of “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” stands as a testament to his reverence for the genre’s roots and his concern for its future.
In conclusion, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” by George Jones is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt ode to the legends of country music and a reflection on the continuity of its traditions. George Jones’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s evocative lyrics ensure its enduring place in the hearts of country music enthusiasts, bridging the past with the present in a way that is both nostalgic and hopeful.
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Lyrics
You know this old world is full of singers
But just a few are chosen
They tear your heart out when they sing
Imagine life without them
All your radio heroes
Like the outlaw that walks through Jesse’s dreams
No, there will never be another
Red-headed stranger
A man in black and Folsom prison blues
The Okie from Muskogee
Or hello darling
Lord, I wonder who’s gonna fill their shoes
Who’s gonna fill their shoes?
Who’s gonna stand that tall?
Who’s gonna play the Opry
And the Wabash cannonball?
Who’s gonna give their heart and soul
To get to me and you?
Lord, I wonder who’s gonna fill their shoes
God bless the boys from Memphis
Blue Suede shoes and Elvis
Much too soon, he left this world in tears
They tore up the 50s
Old Jerry Lee and Charlie
And “go cat go” still echoes through the years
You know the heart of country music
Still beats in Luke The Drifter
You can tell it when he sang, I Saw The Light
Old Marty, Hank, and Lefty
Why I can feel them right here with me
On this silver Eagle rolling through the night
Who’s gonna fill their shoes?
Who’s gonna stand that tall?
Who’s gonna play the Opry
And the Wabash cannonball?
Who’s gonna give their heart and soul
To get to me and you?
Lord, I wonder who’s gonna fill their shoes
Yes, I wonder who’s gonna fill their shoes