George Jones – These Days (I Barely Get By)

About the song

George Jones: These Days (I Barely Get By)

In the annals of country music, few voices have resonated with such raw emotion and authenticity as that of George Jones. With his hauntingly beautiful timbre and heartfelt delivery, Jones earned the moniker “The Possum” and became a legendary figure in the genre. Among his vast repertoire of heartfelt ballads and tear-jerking tunes, “These Days (I Barely Get By)” stands out as a poignant masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Jones’ artistry.

Penned by Jones himself in collaboration with his then-wife Tammy Wynette, “These Days (I Barely Get By)” was released in 1982 as the title track of Jones’ 42nd studio album. The song arrived during a tumultuous period in Jones’ personal life, marked by the dissolution of his marriage to Wynette and a well-publicized struggle with alcoholism. These personal struggles seeped into the lyrics of “These Days (I Barely Get By)”, imbuing the song with an air of profound vulnerability and emotional depth.

The song opens with a somber guitar melody, setting the stage for Jones’ weary lament. His voice, laced with a world-weariness that belies his youthful years, paints a vivid picture of a man struggling to make ends meet, both financially and emotionally. The lyrics chronicle the daily grind of a man barely scraping by, his spirit weighed down by the burdens of life.

“These Days (I Barely Get By)” is not merely a song about poverty or hardship; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, delving into the depths of loneliness, despair, and the yearning for connection. Jones’ vocals capture the raw emotions of the protagonist, his voice trembling with vulnerability as he sings of lost love, shattered dreams, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that seems indifferent to his plight.

Despite the bleakness of its subject matter, “These Days (I Barely Get By)” is ultimately a song of hope. Amidst the darkness, Jones finds glimmers of resilience, a flicker of determination to keep going, even when life seems insurmountable. The song’s message resonates with anyone who has ever faced adversity, offering solace and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light.

“These Days (I Barely Get By)” is a testament to George Jones’ artistry, a song that transcends the boundaries of time and genre to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide. Its raw emotion, poignant lyrics, and unforgettable melody have cemented its place as a country music classic, ensuring that Jones’ legacy as a master storyteller and interpreter of the human experience will endure for generations to come.

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Lyrics

“These Days (I Barely Get By)”

 

I woke up this morning aching with pain
Don’t think I can work, but I’ll try
The car’s in the shop so I thumbed all the way
Oh these days I barely get by

I walked home from work and it rained all the way
My wife left and didn’t say why
She laid all her bills on the desk in the hall
Oh these days I barely get by

Put my only two dollars on my favorite horse
He lost by a nose and I cried
Oh, my boss says come winter we’ll all be laid off
Oh these days I barely get by

These days I barely get by
I want to give up, lay down and die
Worst of all is when she told me goodbye
Oh these days I barely get by

Oh these days, one barely gets by