About the song
“He Stopped Loving Her Today”: A Heartbreakingly Beautiful Ballad
George Jones, often hailed as the “Possum,” possessed a voice that could evoke a range of emotions from joy to sorrow. His baritone, rich with character and tinged with a hint of whiskey, made him one of country music’s most iconic figures. And no song in his extensive discography captures the complexities of love, loss, and longing quite like “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Released in 1980, this ballad, penned by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, paints a poignant portrait of a man struggling to cope with the end of his marriage. The song’s narrative is deceptively simple: a man recounts the day he finally let go of his love for his former wife. Yet, beneath this straightforward premise lies a wealth of emotional depth and nuance.
Jones’ delivery is nothing short of masterful. His voice conveys a sense of weary resignation as he sings about the pain of heartbreak. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery that helps the listener to visualize the scene. We see the man sitting alone in his house, surrounded by mementos of his lost love. We hear the sound of his heart breaking as he reads their old love letters.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its ambiguity. While it is clear that the man is deeply saddened by the end of his marriage, it is never explicitly stated what caused their breakup. This leaves the listener to fill in the blanks, creating a more personal and meaningful connection to the song.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” has become a country music standard, and it’s easy to see why. The song’s universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time resonate with audiences of all ages. It’s a testament to the power of music to connect people on a deep emotional level.
Jones’ performance is so raw and authentic that it feels as if he is singing about his own personal experiences. This is one of the reasons why the song has endured for so many years. It’s a timeless classic that continues to touch the hearts of listeners long after the initial release.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of George Jones or a newcomer to country music, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a must-listen. It’s a song that will stay with you long after the final note fades away.
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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