About the song
“He’ll Have to Go” is a timeless country and pop classic that has been delighting audiences for generations. Recorded on October 15, 1959, by the legendary Jim Reeves, this song went on to become a huge hit in both genres early in 1960. Written by the husband-and-wife team of Joe and Audrey Allison, “He’ll Have to Go” is a poignant tale of love, longing, and heartache, told through the medium of a phone conversation.
The song’s origins are rooted in a phone conversation between Joe and Audrey Allison, who had trouble making themselves understood due to background noise and Audrey’s naturally soft voice. This led to the song’s iconic opening line, which sets the tone for the rest of the song. Reeves recorded the song after listening to the original version by Billy Brown, which failed to gain much attention. However, Reeves’ version was a different story altogether, and it quickly became a huge hit.
The recording features a small group of talented musicians, including Floyd Cramer on piano, Marvin Hughes on vibraphone, Bob Moore on bass, Buddy Harman on drums, Hank Garland on guitar, and the Anita Kerr Singers providing the background vocals. The song’s arrangement and vocal chorus are notable for their country-pop flair, which sets it apart from other country songs of the time.
“He’ll Have to Go” was a massive commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1960 and staying there for 14 consecutive weeks on the Hot Country Singles chart. It also reached number 13 on the R&B Singles Chart and had success abroad, reaching number 1 on the Australian Singles Chart and number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to Reeves’ smooth, velvety vocals, which have been praised by country music historians and fans alike. The song’s themes of love, longing, and heartache continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless classic that will continue to delight audiences for generations to come.
Video
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