About the song
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” is a memorable country song performed by the legendary George Jones, written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes. Released in June 1985, it was the lead single and title track from Jones’ album of the same name. The song achieved notable success, reaching number three on the Hot Country Singles chart.
The essence of the song lies in its tribute to the influential figures of country music and rock and roll. George Jones reflects on the profound impact of iconic artists like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and many others. These legends shaped the genre with their unique talents, and Jones ponders who will step into their shoes once they are gone. This question forms the heart of the song, highlighting both the reverence for these artists and the uncertainty about the future of the genre.
In a 1994 retrospective, Jones recalled how Troy Seals brought the song idea to him and producer Billy Sherrill. Seals’ enthusiasm and dedication made a strong impression, and the finished song surpassed their expectations. The accompanying promotional video, directed by Marc Ball, features Jones at a roadside gas station where a fan shows him a collection of classic country music memorabilia. The video, which won Music Video of the Year at the 1986 CMA Awards, portrays a poignant scene of the old meeting the new with a young musician looking up to the legends.
Despite its success and critical acclaim, the song’s timing was noted to be somewhat unfortunate, as some of the featured legends were still active for years to come. Nevertheless, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” remains a heartfelt homage to the pioneers of country music, capturing the essence of their lasting influence and the ongoing question of who will carry on their legacy.
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