About the song
A Country Heartbreak Ballad Takes the Charts by Storm: “He’ll Have to Go” by Jim Reeves
Step back to 1959 and immerse yourself in the smooth sounds of American country music. “He’ll Have to Go,” a song destined to become a crossover hit, was recorded by the legendary Jim Reeves. Released in the fall, it wasn’t until early 1960 that the ballad truly captivated audiences across genres, climbing the charts in both country and pop.
The inspiration for the song came from an everyday experience. Songwriters Joe and Audrey Allison, a husband-and-wife team, struggled to hear each other during a phone conversation. Audrey’s soft voice prompted Joe to request, “Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone,” a line that would become the song’s unforgettable opening.
“He’ll Have to Go” tells the story of a man heartbroken by a woman’s infidelity. Through a phone call, he realizes she’s not alone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture – the man suggests lowering the jukebox while subtly urging the unwanted guest to leave.
While the theme remained true to country music tradition, the arrangement and backing vocals pushed boundaries. Featuring renowned musicians like Floyd Cramer on piano and the Anita Kerr Singers on vocals, the song had a pop sensibility that resonated with a wider audience. Country music historian Bill Malone highlighted both the conventional and innovative aspects of “He’ll Have to Go,” praising Jim Reeves’ signature “velvet touch” vocals for further elevating the song’s emotional impact.
The success was undeniable. “He’ll Have to Go” reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, only held back from the top spot by Percy Faith’s “Theme from A Summer Place.” It dominated the country charts, reigning at number 1 for a staggering 14 consecutive weeks, and even found a place on the R&B Singles Chart.
The song’s influence extended beyond the US borders. It topped the charts in Canada and Australia, while achieving respectable positions in the UK. Its enduring popularity is evident in the numerous covers recorded by artists like Elvis Presley, whose version is believed to be his final studio recording.
“He’ll Have to Go” is a testament to the power of storytelling in music. A simple phone conversation becomes a relatable tale of heartbreak, delivered with a captivating blend of country tradition and pop appeal.
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Lyrics
Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone
Let’s pretend that we’re together all alone
I’ll tell the man to turn the jukebox way down low
And you can tell your friend there with you, he’ll have to go
Whisper to me, tell me do you love me true
Or is he holding you the way I do?
Though love is blind, make up your mind, I’ve got to know
Should I hang up or will you tell him, he’ll have to go?
You can’t say the words I want to hear
While you’re with another man
Do you want me? Answer yes or no
Darling, I will understand
Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone
Let’s pretend that we’re together all alone
I’ll tell the man to turn the jukebox way down low
And you can tell your friend there with you
He’ll have to go