George Jones-The King Is Gone

Introduction:

In the realm of American country music, few voices resonate with such raw emotion and lived-in experience as George Jones. Often referred to as “The Possum” for his distinctive high tenor and phrasing, Jones carved a path through the genre for over six decades. By 1989, he was already a country music giant, racking up awards and critical acclaim for his signature brand of honky-tonk – a subgenre characterized by its mournful steel guitar sounds, driving rhythms, and lyrics often dealing with heartbreak, loneliness, and the struggles of everyday life.

“The King Is Gone (So Are You)”, released in April 1989, became a significant entry in Jones’ vast catalog. The song, originally titled “Ya Ba Da Ba Do (So Are You)”, was written by Roger Ferris and produced by Billy Sherrill, a longtime collaborator who had helped shape Jones’ sound throughout the 1970s and 80s. Sherrill’s production style, known for its lush arrangements and polished sound, provided the backdrop for Jones’ emotionally charged vocals.

“The King Is Gone (So Are You)” wasn’t an immediate chartbuster. Upon its release, it only reached a modest No. 25 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. However, the song’s impact transcended commercial success. It resonated with fans for its clever wordplay and its underlying themes of loss and longing. The title itself is a double entendre, a playful yet poignant tribute to the recently deceased Elvis Presley, the undisputed “King of Rock and Roll”, while simultaneously lamenting the absence of a lost love.

The song’s lyrics, though not explicitly referencing Elvis, paint a picture of a man drowning his sorrows in alcohol after a heartbreak. The imagery of a broken Jim Beam decanter and a makeshift Elvis shrine fashioned from a jelly bean jar hints at the protagonist’s emotional state. The sarcastic refrain, “The king is gone (so are you)“, adds a layer of dark humor to the melancholic narrative.

“The King Is Gone (So Are You)” became a staple of Jones’ live performances, a testament to its connection with audiences. Over time, the song’s cultural significance grew. It has been covered by numerous artists across genres, further solidifying its place in the country music landscape. While it may not have been a chart-topping hit, “The King Is Gone (So Are You)” stands as a powerful example of George Jones’ artistry, showcasing his ability to weave relatable stories of heartbreak and loss into unforgettable songs.

Video:

Lyrics:

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