George Jones – The King Is Gone

About The Song

George Jones, often hailed as the “Possum,” was a towering figure in country music. His raw emotion and distinctive voice have left an indelible mark on the genre. In his poignant ballad, “The King Is Gone,” Jones pays tribute to the iconic Elvis Presley, capturing the sense of loss and nostalgia that many felt upon the King’s passing.

Released in 1989, “The King Is Gone” serves as a heartfelt elegy, exploring the themes of mortality, friendship, and the enduring legacy of a musical legend. Jones, with his signature gravel-voiced delivery, paints a vivid picture of a gathering of old friends reminiscing about their younger days with Elvis. The song’s lyrics are steeped in nostalgia, as Jones and his companions share stories and laughter, all the while grappling with the bittersweet reality of their friend’s absence.

The song’s title, “The King Is Gone,” is a simple yet powerful statement that encapsulates the profound impact of Elvis Presley on popular culture. By choosing this title, Jones invites listeners to reflect on their own memories of the King and to consider the ways in which his music has shaped their lives.

Musically, “The King Is Gone” is a classic country ballad, characterized by its gentle melody and understated instrumentation. The production is sparse, allowing Jones’ vocals to take center stage. The song’s arrangement is both traditional and timeless, evoking the sounds of classic country music while remaining accessible to a contemporary audience.

Jones’ performance on “The King Is Gone” is nothing short of masterful. His voice conveys a deep sense of longing and regret, as he mourns the loss of his friend and fellow musician. The emotion in his voice is palpable, making it impossible for listeners to remain unaffected.

“The King Is Gone” is a beautiful and moving tribute to Elvis Presley. George Jones’ heartfelt performance, combined with the song’s evocative lyrics and timeless melody, make it a must-listen for fans of country music and anyone who appreciates great songwriting. This song serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music to connect us to one another and to help us make sense of the world around us.

Video

Lyric

Last night, I broke the seal
On a Jim Beam decanter that looks like Elvis
I soaked the label off a Flintstone Jelly Bean jar
I cleared us off a place on that one little table
That you left us
And pulled me up a big ole piece of floor

I pulled the head off Elvis
Filled Fred up to his pelvis
Yabba-Dabba-Doo, the King is gone
And so are you

‘Round about ten we all got to talking
‘Bout Graceland, Bedrock and such
The conversation finally turned to women
But they said they didn’t get around too much
Elvis said, “find ’em young” and Fred said “old-fashioned girls are fun”
Yabba-Dabba-Doo, the King is gone
And so are you

Later on it finally hit me
That you wouldn’t be a-comin’ home no more
‘Cause this time I know you won’t forgive me
Like all of them other times before

Then I broke Elvis’ nose
Pouring the last drop from his toes
Yabba-Dabba-Doo, the King is gone
And so are you
Yabba-Dabba-Doo, the King is gone
And so are you

Last night, I broke the seal on a Jim Beam decanter
That looks like Elvis
I soaked the label off a Flintstone Jelly Bean jar