Still Doin’ Time – George Jones

Introduction:

George Jones, widely regarded as one of the most influential country music artists in history, released the song “Still Doin’ Time” in 1981. The track became one of his significant hits during a turbulent period in his career. Known for his emotional delivery and powerful voice, Jones was no stranger to songs about heartache, personal struggles, and life’s darker moments, and “Still Doin’ Time” perfectly fits within that tradition. It was the first single released from his album Still the Same Ole Me and became an emblem of Jones’s ability to resonate deeply with country audiences.

“Still Doin’ Time” was written by the accomplished songwriters Michael P. Heeney and John Moffatt, and produced by Billy Sherrill, one of the most prominent producers in country music at the time. Sherrill was known for his “countrypolitan” style, blending traditional country instrumentation with more modern, orchestral elements, which helped make George Jones’s voice shine on the track. The song is a traditional country ballad, characterized by its somber tone, pedal steel guitar, and a honky-tonk feel that evokes the raw emotions associated with heartbreak and reflection.

The song’s theme revolves around a man feeling imprisoned not by bars but by the lingering pain and emotional turmoil following the collapse of a relationship. The use of prison imagery and metaphors for love and regret was not only a poignant choice but also a reflection of Jones’s own personal battles with addiction and tumultuous relationships, which were well-documented in the media at the time.

“Still Doin’ Time” became a major success for George Jones, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1981, marking his seventh number-one single at the time. The track further solidified his reputation as “The Possum,” a nickname he earned for his expressive, everyman persona that so many country fans could relate to. This achievement was significant, given the personal struggles Jones faced during this period, including his widely publicized battles with substance abuse. Despite those challenges, his ability to connect emotionally with listeners never wavered, and “Still Doin’ Time” was a testament to his enduring appeal.

The song’s success came at a time when George Jones was staging something of a comeback. His collaboration with producer Billy Sherrill throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s helped rejuvenate his career. Sherrill’s polished production, combined with Jones’s unmistakable voice, gave new life to many of his recordings, and “Still Doin’ Time” was no exception. It remains one of the defining songs of Jones’s later career and a staple in the catalog of classic country music.

In conclusion, “Still Doin’ Time” is a quintessential example of traditional country music, blending raw emotional storytelling with expert musicianship and production. It captured the heartbreak and emotional imprisonment that so many of Jones’s listeners could identify with, making it a lasting hit in his remarkable career.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Still Doin’ Time”

Has it been a year, since the last time I’ve seen her
My God, I could swear it was ten
And the ocean of liquor I drank to forget her
Is gonna kill me but I’ll drink ’til thenI’ve been living in hell with a bar for a cell
Still paying for my cheating crime
Oh, And I’ve got a long way to go
Still doin’ time

[Chorus:]
Still doin’ time
In a honky tonk prison
Still doin’ time
Where a man ain’t forgiven
My poor heart is breaking
But there’s no escaping
Each morning I wake up and I find
Still doin’ time

Oh when your caught me cheating twice
It’s twenty to life in a place
Where the sun never shines
And tomorrow you’re gonna find me right here
Still doin’ time

[Chorus:]
Still doin’ time
In a honky tonk prison
Still doin’ time
Where a man ain’t forgiven
My poor heart is breaking
But there’s no escaping
Each morning I wake up and I find
Still doin’ time

Still doin’ time…