About the song
George Glenn Jones (1931-2013) stands as one of the most revered and influential vocalists in country music history. Known by his nickname “The Possum,” Jones possessed a distinctive, deeply emotional voice that could convey the profound heartache and simple joys of everyday life. His career, spanning over six decades, was a testament to his raw talent and enduring appeal, even as his personal life was marked by turbulent struggles with alcohol and fame.
Born in Texas, Jones’s early influences came from gospel music and the honky-tonk sound that dominated the airwaves. After serving in the Marine Corps, he began his recording career in the 1950s, quickly rising to prominence with hits like “Why Baby Why.” Throughout his career, he charted more than 150 songs, but his legacy is often defined by masterpieces like the heartbreaking ballad, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” This song, a Grammy winner, is widely considered the greatest country song of all time, a perfect example of Jones’s ability to turn a simple story into a timeless work of art. His tumultuous marriage and musical partnership with fellow star Tammy Wynette also produced some of country music’s most memorable duets.
One of Jones’s most poignant and powerful songs is “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” released in 1985. Written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes, the song is a heartfelt tribute and a lament for the passing of country music’s golden era. In the lyrics, Jones name-checks a pantheon of legends—including Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams—as he reflects on their irreplaceable contributions. The song poses a simple yet profound question: Who will have the talent, soul, and charisma to fill the enormous void left by these pioneers?
The track wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural touchstone that resonated with fans who feared for the future of their beloved genre. The accompanying music video, Jones’s first, won a CMA award and further cemented the song’s status as a classic. “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” is more than just a list of names; it is a powerful statement about the unique spirit of country music and the lasting impact of its original architects. Through this song, George Jones not only paid homage to his heroes but also solidified his own place among them as an artist whose shoes would be equally difficult to fill.
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
