About the song
In the realm of country music, there are few songs that have captured the essence of nostalgia and reverence for the legends of the genre as poignantly as George Jones’ “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”. Released in 1985, this iconic song was written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes, and it has since become a timeless classic that continues to resonate with country music fans to this day.
The song’s lyrics are a heartfelt tribute to the country music and rock and roll legends who have shaped the genre, including Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Roy Acuff, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Hank Williams, Marty Robbins, and Lefty Frizzell. Jones’ poignant vocals bring to life the memories of these music icons, and the song’s chorus poses a profound question: who will fill the shoes of these legendary artists when they’re gone?
The song’s background is steeped in history, with Jones recalling the song’s creation in a 1994 video retrospective. According to Jones, Troy Seals wrote the song after a late-night brainstorming session with producer Billy Sherrill, and the result was a song that “just knocked us out”. The song’s promotional video, which aired on various country music networks, features Jones and a cameo appearance by Billy Sherrill, and it won Music Video of the Year at the 1986 CMA Awards.
Despite its critical acclaim, the song has also been subject to some criticism, with some critics arguing that it was “brilliantly timed” given the emergence of new country stars at the time. However, the song’s impact on country music fans cannot be overstated, and it remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire new generations of country music enthusiasts.
Video
Lyrics
You know this old world is full of singers
But just a few are chosen
They tear your heart out when they sing
Imagine life without them
All your radio heroes
Like the outlaw that walks through Jesse’s dreams
No, there will never be another
Red-headed stranger
A man in black and Folsom prison blues
The Okie from Muskogee
Or hello darling
Lord, I wonder who’s gonna fill their shoes
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
God bless the boys from Memphis
Blue Suede shoes and Elvis
Much too soon, he left this world in tears
They tore up the 50s
Old Jerry Lee and Charlie
And “go cat go” still echoes through the years
You know the heart of country music
Still beats in Luke The Drifter
You can tell it when he sang, I Saw The Light
Old Marty, Hank, and Lefty
Why I can feel them right here with me
On this silver Eagle rolling through the night
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
Yes, I wonder who’s gonna fill their shoes