Introduction:
Finally Friday isn’t just a song title for George Jones, it’s a sentiment likely shared by millions who have punched a clock or endured a long workweek. Released in 1992 on the album Walls Can Fall, Finally Friday captures the anticipation of freedom and release that comes with the end of the workweek.
Walls Can Fall itself was a significant album for Jones. Released under the MCA Nashville label, the album reached number 24 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and number 77 on the Billboard 200 chart. It even achieved gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1994, signifying sales of over 500,000 copies. Finally Friday wasn’t the only hit on the album, but it became a standout track, showcasing a familiar theme for country music audiences.
George Jones, by 1992, was already a well-established country music star. Nicknamed “The Possum” for his unique vocal style and stage presence, Jones had achieved recognition decades earlier. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he had charted numerous number one hits and become known for his powerful vocals and his portrayal of the struggles of everyday people. Finally Friday fit squarely into this theme.
The song’s lyrics, written by Bobby Ke Boyd, Dennis Robbins, Dewayne Mize, and Warren Haynes, paint a picture of a working man, likely blue-collar, who longs for the weekend. He might have some money in his pocket, but the weight of the workweek presses on him. The narrator knows he likely will squander his money by the time Monday rolls around, but Finally Friday offers a temporary escape – a chance to let loose and forget about the daily grind.
Finally Friday wasn’t a chart-topping hit for George Jones, but it became a fan favorite. It resonated with listeners who saw themselves in the song’s protagonist. The song continues to be a popular choice for country music radio stations and appears on multiple George Jones compilation albums. Finally Friday stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of country music’s ability to capture the simple joys of escaping the workweek, a sentiment that George Jones delivered with his signature vocals and authentic country music style.