Introduction:
Released in 1974, The Door is a seminal country song by American country music icon George Jones. While Jones was already a major star by this point in his career, The Door marked a significant comeback for the singer. Following a string of Top 10 hits in the 1960s, Jones had seen his chart performance decline in the early 1970s.
The Door was written by songwriting duo Billy Sherrill and Norro Wilson. Sherrill was also the song’s producer, and would go on to collaborate with Jones on many of his most successful recordings throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Sherrill’s production style, known as the “countrypolitan” sound, often incorporated elements of pop music into the traditional country framework. This approach proved highly successful for Jones, and The Door is considered a prime example of countrypolitan at its finest.
The Door was a major hit for George Jones. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming Jones’ sixth number one single as a solo artist. The Door‘s critical acclaim and commercial success marked the beginning of a successful period for Jones, who would go on to record many more chart-topping hits throughout the next decade.
The Door is not only remembered for its chart performance, but also for its enduring impact on country music. The song perfectly captured the genre’s signature themes of heartbreak, regret, and longing. Jones’ powerful vocal delivery, characterized by his signature hiccups and raw emotional intensity, elevated the song’s lyrics and melody into a country music classic.
Today, The Door remains an essential part of George Jones’ legacy. The song is included on numerous compilation albums and continues to be a popular choice for country radio stations. The Door has also been covered by many other country artists, further solidifying its place as a timeless country music masterpiece.
Video:
Lyrics:
I’ve heard the sound of my dear old mama crying
And the sound of the train that took me off to war
And the awful sound of a thousand bombs exploding
And I wondered if I could take it anymore There were times when they almost drove me crazy
But I did my best, I took it like a man
But who would think in my lonely room I’d hear it
The one sound in the world my heart can’t stand To hear that sound and to know it’s really over
Through tear stained eyes I watched her walk away
And of earthquakes storms and guns and wars
Lord nothing has ever hurt me more
Than that lonely sound, the closing of the door And of earthquakes storms and guns and wars
Lord nothing has ever hurt me more
Than that lonely sound, the closing of the door