About the song
George Jones and “Bartender’s Blues”
If you’re a fan of country music, then you’re likely familiar with the name George Jones. “No Show Jones,” as he was sometimes called, was known for his distinctive voice and his honky-tonk sound. He was also known for his turbulent personal life, which often found its way into his music.
One of Jones’s most famous songs is “Bartender’s Blues,” which was written by James Taylor. The song tells the story of a man who is drowning his sorrows in a bar. He’s lost his job, his wife has left him, and he’s about to lose his home. The only thing that’s keeping him going is the bartender, who is listening to his problems and pouring him drinks.
The song is a classic example of Jones’s ability to sing about heartbreak and pain. His voice is raw and emotional, and he delivers the lyrics with a conviction that is both believable and heartbreaking. The song is also a reminder of the power of music to help us through tough times.
“Bartender’s Blues” was released in 1978 as the title track of Jones’s album. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It was also a critical success, with many critics praising Jones’s performance.
The song has been covered by many other artists, including James Taylor himself. However, Jones’s version remains the definitive one. It is a powerful and moving song that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by James Taylor and originally appeared on his 1977 album JT.
- Jones’s version of the song was released as a single in 1978 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
- The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Jones’s performance.
- The song has been covered by many other artists, including James Taylor himself. However, Jones’s version remains the definitive one.
Here are some of the themes explored in the song:
- Heartbreak
- Loss
- Loneliness
- Alcoholism
- The power of music
Here are some of the song’s lyrics:
- “I’ve been sitting here in this bar,
- Nursing my drink and feeling sorry for myself.
- I lost my job, my wife left me,
- And I’m about to lose my home.
- The only thing that’s keeping me going is the bartender,
- Who is listening to my problems and pouring me drinks.”
Here are some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was inspired by Taylor’s own experiences with heartbreak and loss.
- Jones’s version of the song was recorded in a single take.
- The song was used in the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy.”
Video
Lyrics
“Bartender’s Blues”
Well, I’m just a bartender
And I don’t like my work
But I don’t mind the money at all
I’ve seen lots of sad faces
And lots of bad cases
Of folks with their backs to the wall[Chorus:]
But I got four walls around me, to hold my life
To keep me from going astray
And a honky tonk angel, to hold me tight
To keep me from slipping awayWell I can light up your smokes
I can laugh at your jokes
I can watch you fall down on your knees
I can close down this bar
Oh and gas up my car
And I can pack up and mail in my keys[Chorus:]
But I got four walls around me, to hold my life
To keep me from going astray
And a honky tonk angel, to hold me tight
To keep me from slipping awayNow the smoke fills the air
Of this honky tonk bar
And I’m thinkin’ bout where I’d rather be
But I burned all my bridges
And I sunk all my ships
And I’m stranded at the edge of the sea[Chorus:]
But I got four walls around me, to hold my life
To keep me from going astray
And a honky tonk angel, to hold me tight
To keep me from slipping away…