About the song
Released in 1974, “The Grand Tour” is a poignant ballad that has become one of George Jones’ most beloved and recognizable songs. The song’s lyrics, penned by Norris Wilson, Carmol Taylor, and George Richey, paint a vivid picture of a man taking his estranged wife on a retrospective journey through the memories of their troubled relationship.
As the song opens, the narrator recounts the early days of their courtship, when love was young and promises were easily made. However, as the relationship progresses, the cracks begin to show, and the narrator admits to his own shortcomings and regrets. The chorus, with its haunting refrain of “I’ll take you on a grand tour of heartache,” sets the tone for the song’s emotional depth.
“The Grand Tour” was a commercial success upon its release, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in August 1974. It has since become a staple of Jones’ repertoire and has been covered by numerous artists, including Alan Jackson, Emmylou Harris, and Trisha Yearwood. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Beyond its commercial success, “The Grand Tour” is widely regarded as one of George Jones’ finest recordings. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Jones’ emotive vocals perfectly capture the pain and regret of a love gone wrong. “The Grand Tour” is a true country classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Video
Lyrics
Step right up, come on in
If you’d like to take the grand tour
Of a lonely house that once was home sweet home
I have nothing here to sell you
Just some things that I will tell you
Some things I know will chill you to the bone
Over there, sits the chair
Where she’d bring the paper to me
And sit down on my knee
And whisper, “Oh, I love you”
But now she’s gone forever
And this old house will never be the same
Without the love that we once knew
Straight ahead, that’s the bed
Where we lay in love together
And Lord knows we had a good thing going here
See her picture on the table
Don’t it look like she’d be able
Just to touch me and say, “Good morning, dear?”
There’s her rings, all her things
And her clothes are in the closet
Like she left them when she tore my world apart
As you leave, you’ll see the nursery
Oh, she left me without mercy
Taking nothing but our baby, and my heart
Step right up, come on in