Introduction:
George Jones, the legendary honky-tonk singer known for his powerful voice and emotionally charged performances, took a familiar route with his 1988 recording of “One Woman Man”. Originally released in 1956 by Johnny Horton, the song found new life under Jones’ distinctive delivery, becoming a country music hit and a significant late-career achievement for the “Possum,” as Jones was affectionately nicknamed.
While Jones had established himself as a country music powerhouse throughout the 1950s and 1960s, his career faced challenges in the following decades. By the late 1980s, however, he was experiencing a resurgence. Billy Sherrill, a producer known for his polished “countrypolitan” sound, took the reins for “One Woman Man”. Sherrill had previously collaborated with Jones on numerous hits, and their renewed partnership proved fruitful.
The song itself is a declaration of devotion. The lyrics, penned by Johnny Horton and Tillman Franks, paint a picture of a man committed to his one true love. Jones’ characteristic vocals, raw and expressive, deliver the message with sincerity. The arrangement, crafted by Sherrill, complements Jones’ voice perfectly. Steel guitar shimmers, a steady rhythm section provides a foundation, and piano accents add warmth.
“One Woman Man” was released in November 1988 as the lead single for Jones’ album of the same name. The song resonated with audiences, climbing to number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in early 1989. It marked Jones’ final solo Top 10 hit, a testament to the song’s enduring appeal and Jones’ ability to connect with listeners even later in his career.
“One Woman Man” holds a special place in George Jones’ discography. It not only served as a successful single but also revitalized his career at a crucial juncture. The song stands as a prime example of Jones’ masterful vocal delivery and his enduring legacy within country music.
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Lyrics:
If you told me that you love me, I would feel so proudLet me hold you honey I’d holler out loudI’ll never love another even if I canCome to me baby I’m a one woman man
Want you let me baby just a kind of hang aroundI’ll always love honey and I’ll never let you downI’ll never love another even if I canCome to me baby I’m a one woman man
I’d climb the highest mountain if it reached a bigger skyTo prove that I love you I’d jump off and flyI’d even swim the ocean from shore to shoreTo prove that I love you, a little bit more
Want you let me baby just a kind of hang aroundI’ll always love honey and I’ll never let you downI’ll never love another even if I canCome to me baby I’m a one woman man
If you told me that you love me, I would feel so proudLet me hold you honey I’d holler out loudI’ll never love another even if I canCome to me baby I’m a one woman man
Want you let me baby just a kind of hang aroundI’ll always love honey and I’ll never let you downI’ll never love another even if I canCome to me baby I’m a one woman manCome to me baby I’m a one woman man