Introduction:
George Strait, the undisputed king of traditional country music, dipped his hat into the well of classic tunes for his 1991 album, Chill of an Early Fall. Among the gems on the record is a rendition of the timeless country standard, “Lovesick Blues”.
Originally a product of the Tin Pan Alley era, “Lovesick Blues” was composed by Cliff Friend with lyrics by Irving Mills in 1922. The song first appeared in the musical “Oh, Ernest” and quickly gained traction, becoming a hit for artists like Elsie Clark and Jack Shea. The simple yet powerful melody and relatable lyrics about unrequited love resonated with audiences for decades, with numerous covers emerging throughout the 20th century.
Strait’s version on Chill of an Early Fall stays true to the song’s roots. Produced by George Strait himself alongside Jimmy Bowen, the track features the signature elements that have made Strait a country music legend: a smooth, rich baritone that delivers the heartfelt lyrics with effortless charm, a tight backing band that provides a solid foundation, and a tasteful arrangement that allows the melody to shine.
While “Lovesick Blues” wasn’t a chart-topping single for Strait, reaching number 24 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 22 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart, it perfectly encapsulates the essence of his artistry. The song showcases his ability to breathe new life into established classics while staying true to the original spirit. It seamlessly fits alongside the other original tracks on Chill of an Early Fall, creating a cohesive album that highlights Strait’s mastery of traditional country music.
The inclusion of “Lovesick Blues” on Chill of an Early Fall also serves as a testament to Strait’s respect for country music’s rich history. By revisiting a beloved standard, he connects himself to a long line of country artists who have performed the song, solidifying his place within the genre’s lineage.
Video:
Lyrics:
I got a feeling called the blues, oh lordSince my baby said goodbyeHey Lord, I don’t know what I’ll doAll I do is sit and sigh, oh lord
The last long day she said goodbyeLord, I thought I would cryShe’ll do me, she’ll do youShe’s got that kind of lovin’Lord, I love to hear herWhen she calls me sweet daddySuch a beautiful dream
I hate to think it’s all overI lost my heart it seemsI’ve grown so used to you somehowBut I’m nobody’s sugar daddy, nowAnd I’m lonesomeI got the lovesick blues
Yeah, I’m in loveI’m in love with a beautiful galThat’s what’s the matter with meYeah, I’m in loveI’m in love with a beautiful galBut she don’t care about me.
And Lord, I tried and triedTo keep her satisfiedBut that gal wouldn’t stayAnd, now that she is leavinThis is all I can say
I got a feeling called the blues, oh lordSince my baby said goodbyeHey Lord, I don’t know what I’ll doAll I do is sit and sigh, oh lord
The last long day she said goodbyeLord, I thought I would cryShe’ll do me, she’ll do youShe’s got that kind of lovin’Lord, I love to hear herWhen she calls me sweet daddySuch a beautiful dream
I hate to think it’s all overI lost my heart it seemsI’ve grown so used to you somehowBut I’m nobody’s sugar daddy, nowAnd I’m lonesomeI got the lovesick blues…