Introduction:
George Jones, the iconic country singer known for his powerful voice and poignant delivery, released a contemplative ballad titled “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” in 1985. The song, the title track from his album of the same name, became a hit, reaching number three on the Hot Country Singles chart. “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” is a prime example of the classic honky-tonk style that Jones helped define, characterized by its focus on themes of heartbreak, loss, and the struggles of everyday life.
Billy Sherrill, a legendary country music producer who had collaborated with Jones on numerous successful recordings throughout the 1970s, was at the helm for “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes.” Sherrill was known for his polished “countrypolitan” sound, and while “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” doesn’t entirely stray from that style, it features a more stripped-down instrumentation that allows Jones’s vocals to shine.
The lyrics of “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” explore themes of aging and mortality. The narrator, a man reflecting on his life, contemplates the passing of country music greats who have come before him. He mentions figures like Hank Williams (“the singing salesman”) and Johnny Cash (“the man in black”), expressing a sense of loss and wondering if there will ever be performers who can measure up to their legacies. The song also references the Grand Ole Opry, a staple of country music, and the “Wabash Cannonball,” a famous train route that linked key cities in the Midwest and South – both serving as symbols of the genre’s history and tradition.
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” struck a chord with many country music fans. It resonated with those who felt a connection to the genre’s past and worried about its future. The song was also notable for its accompanying music video, which won the CMA Award for Video of the Year in 1985. The video featured footage of Jones singing interspersed with images of country music legends, further emphasizing the song’s message about legacy and loss.
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” remains a beloved classic in George Jones’s catalog. It serves as a testament to his enduring talent and a reminder of the giants who have shaped the genre of country music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”
You know this old world is full of singers
But just a few are chosen
To tear your heart out when they sing
Imagine life without them
All your, radio heros
Like the outlaw that walks through Jesse’s dreamNo, 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[Chorus:]
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 shoesGod bless the boys from Memphis
Blue Suede Shoes and Elvis
Much too soon he left this world in tears
They tore up the Fifties
Old Jerry Lee and Charlie
And old Go Cat Go still echoes through the yearsYou know the heart of country music
Still beats in Luke the Drifter
You can tell when hew sings 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[Chorus:]
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 shoesYes I wonder, who’s gonna fill their shoes?..