George Jones – Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes

Introduction:

Released in 1985, Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes became a signature song for the legendary country singer George Jones. It marked a turning point in Jones’ career, revitalizing his popularity after a period of personal struggles. The song was the title track for his 45th studio album, also released in 1985 on the Epic Records label.

Written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes, Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes is a poignant reflection on the loss of country music greats and the irreplaceable mark they leave on the genre. The lyrics pay homage to iconic figures like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Lefty Frizzell, asking the haunting question: who will carry on their legacy?

Produced by Billy Sherrill, a renowned country music producer who had collaborated with Jones on numerous hits throughout the 1970s, Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes became a success on the charts. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1985, showcasing Jones’ powerful vocals and signature melancholic style. The song also went on to win the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for Video of the Year in 1986.

The accompanying music video for Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes further solidified the song’s impact. Directed by David Kershenbaum, the video features Jones singing in various locations significant to country music history, including the Grand Ole Opry stage. Interspersed throughout are footage clips of the country music legends referenced in the song, creating a powerful tribute to their legacies.

Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes became not only a hit song but also an important theme in Jones’ later career. He frequently performed the song live and it was included on several of his greatest hits compilations. The song endures as a testament to the enduring influence of country music’s founding artists and the ongoing search for new voices to carry the torch.

Video:

Lyrics:

You know this old world is full of singers
But just a few are chosen
They tear your heart out when they sing
Imagine life without them
All your radio heroes
Like the outlaw that walks through Jesse’s dreams

No, 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

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 shoes

God bless the boys from Memphis
Blue Suede shoes and Elvis
Much too soon, he left this world in tears
They tore up the 50s
Old Jerry Lee and Charlie
And “go cat go” still echoes through the years

You know the heart of country music
Still beats in Luke The Drifter
You can tell it when he sang, 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

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 shoes
Yes, I wonder who’s gonna fill their shoes