George Jones – Choices

About the song

George Jones, the iconic “Possum,” was a master of crafting poignant narratives through his music. His songs often delved into the complexities of human experience, and “Choices” is no exception. This haunting ballad, released in 1992, serves as a poignant meditation on the decisions that shape our lives and the consequences that follow.

The song’s introspective tone is immediately established through Jones’ signature vocal style. His weathered voice, rich with emotion, conveys a sense of lived experience that resonates deeply with listeners. The lyrics, penned by Bill Anderson and Buddy Cannon, explore the universal theme of regret and the realization that life’s paths are often determined by the choices we make.

Jones sings of the “voices” that guided him both right and wrong throughout his life. These voices might represent external influences, such as friends, family, or society, or they could be internal voices, such as desires, fears, or temptations. The song suggests that while we may have had the freedom to choose, the consequences of those choices have shaped our destinies.

The haunting refrain, “If I’d listened, no I wouldn’t be here today,” encapsulates the song’s central theme. It implies that the choices Jones made, both good and bad, have led him to where he is in life. The song’s melancholic tone suggests a sense of longing and perhaps even a desire to undo the past.

“Choices” is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the universal human experience of regret and reflection. It serves as a reminder that our lives are shaped by the choices we make, and that those choices can have far-reaching consequences. Through his soulful performance, George Jones invites listeners to contemplate their own paths and the choices that have brought them to where they are today.

Video

Lyrics

I’ve had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today
Living and dying with the choices I’ve made

I was tempted, by an early age I found
I liked drinkin’, oh, and I never turned it down
There were loved ones but I turned them all away
Now I’m living and dying with the choices I’ve made

I’ve had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today
Living and dying with the choices I’ve made

I guess I’m payin’ for the things that I have done
If I could go back, oh, Lord knows I’d run
But I’m still losin’ this game of life I play
Losing and dying with the choices I’ve made

I’ve had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today
Living and dying with the choices I’ve made

Living and dying with the choices I’ve made