George Jones – Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes

 Now that’s a country classic that tugs at the heartstrings with every listen. Released in 1985 as the title track for Jones’ album of the same name, this poignant ballad arrived at a pivotal moment in country music history.

By the mid-80s, the genre was undergoing a significant shift. The smooth, polished “Urban Cowboy” sound of the late 70s was fading, and a new generation of artists, heavily influenced by rock and pop, were starting to emerge. Traditional country purists, however, felt a sense of unease. They worried that the core values and storytelling essence of country music were being diluted.

George Jones, a man synonymous with that very essence, stood as a beacon of tradition. Nicknamed “The Possum” for his unique, high-pitched vocals and a career often marked by personal struggles, Jones had already established himself as a legend by the 80s. His voice, raw and brimming with emotion, could convey heartbreak, resilience, and a deep connection to the working-class struggles that formed the bedrock of country music.

“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” perfectly captures this sentiment. The song doesn’t explicitly mention the changing landscape of country music, but the lyrics resonate with a sense of loss and a yearning for the past. The opening lines paint a vivid picture:

“The radio’s playin’ Hank, tears stream down my face Another legend’s gone, leavin’ an empty space”

The loss of a beloved country icon, perhaps a reference to the passing of someone like Johnny Cash or Ernest Tubb, becomes a springboard for a larger question. The chorus, with its simple yet powerful refrain, becomes the heart of the song:

“Who’s gonna fill their shoes? Who’s gonna stand that tall? Who’s gonna play the Opry And the Wabash Cannonball? Who’s gonna give their heart and soul To get to me and you? Lord I wonder, who’s gonna fill their shoes?”

The “shoes” become a metaphor for the legacy of these country music giants. The Opry, a reference to the Grand Ole Opry, the revered stage in Nashville, and the “Wabash Cannonball,” a reference to a classic train song often performed by country artists, represent the very fabric of the genre. Jones laments the potential loss of those qualities that made country music so special: the heart, the soul, the raw connection with the audience.

“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” wasn’t just a nostalgic lament. It was a call to action, a plea for the preservation of country music’s core values. The song resonated deeply with fans who shared Jones’ concerns. It became a massive hit, reaching number three on the Hot Country Singles chart, a testament to its enduring impact.

Even today, decades later, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” remains a powerful reminder of the importance of tradition and the irreplaceable legacy of the artists who paved the way for generations of country singers. As we listen to Jones’ voice, weathered yet resolute, asking that poignant question, we can’t help but wonder if the answer has yet been found.

Video

Lyrics

“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”