About the song
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a deeply moving song performed by renowned American country music artist George Jones. Released in April 1980 as the lead single from his album *I Am What I Am*, this song has been celebrated as one of the greatest country songs of all time. It was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, and it marks a significant milestone in Jones’s career, being his first solo No. 1 hit in six years.
The song tells a poignant story of enduring love and heartache. It portrays a man who remains devoted to his former lover even after she leaves him. He keeps old letters and photographs, holding on to the hope that she might return. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when the man dies, with his passing symbolizing the end of his love for her. This moment of finality is underscored by the fact that his former lover attends his funeral, revealing that his love for her ended only with his death.
Despite initial reluctance and personal struggles, George Jones eventually embraced the song, which remarkably revived his career. The production, led by Billy Sherrill, features lush orchestration and emotional depth, enhancing the song’s impact. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” not only topped the country charts but also played a crucial role in restoring Jones’s place in the music industry.
The song’s legacy continues to be honored, with its inclusion in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and a high ranking on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Additionally, it was performed in tribute to Jones during his funeral by Alan Jackson and at the 2013 CMA Awards by George Strait and Alan Jackson.
This song’s enduring appeal and its powerful storytelling ensure its place as a timeless classic in the country music genre.
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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