About the song
George Jones, the “Possum,” a titan of country music, delivered a performance that would forever be etched into the annals of the genre with his 1980 release, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” This heart-wrenching ballad, penned by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, is a testament to the enduring power of love, loss, and the human spirit.
The song, a narrative of a man grappling with the aftermath of a lost love, unfolds with a stark simplicity that belies its emotional depth. Jones’ vocals, rough-hewn and expressive, convey a profound sense of grief and longing. His delivery is both intimate and commanding, drawing listeners into the emotional landscape of the song.
The lyrics, evocative and poignant, paint a vivid picture of a man who, despite the passage of time, remains unable to move on from the love of his life. The refrain, “He stopped loving her today,” is a stark declaration of a heart that has finally reached its breaking point. The imagery of a man who continues to visit his lover’s grave, even in his dreams, underscores the enduring nature of his love and the pain of his loss.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is more than just a song; it is a timeless piece of art that resonates with listeners across generations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Jones’ performance, coupled with the evocative lyrics and haunting melody, has cemented this song’s place as one of the greatest country songs of all time.
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Lyrics
He said, “I’ll love you till I die”
She told him, “You’ll forget in time”
As the years went slowly by
She still preyed upon his mind
He kept her picture on his wall
Went half crazy now and then
But he still loved her through it all
Hoping she’d come back again
Kept some letters by his bed
Dated 1962
He had underlined in red
Every single, I love you
I went to see him just today
Oh, but I didn’t see no tears
All dressed up to go away
First time I’d seen him smile in years
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today
You know, she came to see him one last time (ooh)
Ah, and we all wondered if she would (ooh)
And it kept runnin’ through my mind (ooh)
“This time he’s over her for good”
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today