About the song
George Jones – Choices: A Country Ballad of Regret and Redemption
In the realm of country music, few artists have captured the essence of heartache and regret quite like George Jones. With his soulful voice and poignant lyrics, Jones crafted songs that resonated deeply with listeners, earning him the well-deserved title of “No-Show Jones”. Among his many enduring classics, “Choices” stands out as a particularly powerful ballad that delves into the complexities of human decision-making and the consequences of our actions.
Released in 1999 as the lead single from Jones’s album “The Cold Hard Truth”, “Choices” is a slow-burning country lament that chronicles the life of a man haunted by the choices he has made. The song’s opening lines set the tone, revealing the protagonist’s deep-seated regret:
“I’ve had choices since the day that I was born There were voices that told me right from wrong If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today Living and dging with the choices I’ve made”**
As the song progresses, the narrator delves into the specific choices that have led him down his path of self-destruction. He admits to succumbing to temptation at an early age, indulging in alcohol and pushing away loved ones. These choices, he acknowledges, have left him with a life filled with regret and sorrow:
“I was tempted, by an early age I found I liked drinkin’, oh, and I never turned it down There were loved ones but I turned them all away Now I’m living and dging with the choices I’ve made”**
The chorus of “Choices” is a poignant refrain that underscores the weight of the narrator’s regrets:
“I guess I’m payin’ for the things that I have done If I could go back, oh, Lord knows I’d run But I’m still losin’ this game of life I play Losing and dging with the choices I’ve made”**
Despite the overwhelming sense of regret, “Choices” offers a glimmer of hope for redemption. The narrator acknowledges the consequences of his actions but doesn’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, he expresses a desire to turn his life around, even if it means facing the pain of his past:
“I’ve had choices since the day that I was born There were voices that told me right from wrong If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today Living and dging with the choices I’ve made”**
“Choices” is a powerful reminder of the impact our choices have on our lives. It is a song that resonates with anyone who has ever made a mistake and felt the weight of regret. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is a message of hope, suggesting that it is never too late to make amends and strive for a better future. With its heartfelt lyrics and Jones’s emotive delivery, “Choices” stands as a timeless country ballad that continues to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide.