Introduction:
Released in September 1985, “The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)” is a heartfelt country ballad by American music icon George Jones. The song, produced by Billy Sherrill, became a cornerstone of Jones’ live performances throughout the 1980s and 1990s, further solidifying his reputation as a country music legend. While it wasn’t his first chart-topping hit, “The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)” reached number three on the Hot Country Singles chart, showcasing the enduring popularity of Jones’ poignant storytelling and signature vocals.
A Song Built on Simple Yet Powerful Imagery
The beauty of “The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)” lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions through simple yet evocative language. The song opens with a narrator pulling into a gas station with his own sleek Corvette. The encounter with the gas station owner, an old man who reminisces about a similar car and a lost love, sparks a chain of memories in the narrator. The listener is drawn into a bygone era, filled with youthful dreams and a passionate romance, all symbolized by the cherry red Corvette.
A Testament to George Jones’ Enduring Legacy
“The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)” is a masterclass in country music storytelling. Jones’ smooth baritone, laced with his signature ache, perfectly conveys the narrator’s mix of nostalgia and regret. The song’s simple structure and relatable themes resonated with audiences, making it a country music staple. “The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)” continues to be a beloved song among country music fans, a testament to the enduring artistry of George Jones.
Video:
Lyrics:
The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)
I stopped off at the Quicksack
For some beer and cigarettes
The old man took my money
As he stared at my Corvette
He said, I had one just like her son,
A 1963
‘Til the man down at the
Bank took her from me[Chorus:]
Oh, She was hotter than a two dollar pistol
She was the fastest thing around
Long and lean, every young man’s dream
She turned every head in town
She was built and fun to handles, son
I’m glad that you dropped in
She reminds me of the one I loved back then.Then, I handed him my keys and said,
Here take her for a spin
The old man scratched his head, and said
Then he looked at me and grinned
He said son you just don’t understand
It ain’t the car I want
It’s the brunette in your ‘vette that turns me on.[Chorus:]
I had one that was hotter than a two dollar pistol
She was the fastest thing around
Long and lean, every young man’s dream
She turned every head in town
She was built and fun to handles, son
I’m glad that you dropped in
She reminds me of the one I loved back then.[Chorus:]
Lord, she was hotter than a two dollar pistol
She was the fastest thing around
Long and lean, every young man’s dream
She turned every head in town
She was built and fun to handles, son
I’m glad that you dropped in
She reminds me of the one I loved back then.She reminds me of the one I loved back then…