About the song
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” is a poignant and reflective song by George Jones, a renowned figure in country music. Written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes, the song was released in June 1985 as the title track and first single from the album *Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes*. It quickly made its mark on the country music scene, reaching number three on the Hot Country Singles chart.
The song serves as a tribute to the legendary figures of country and rock and roll music, including icons like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard. Jones eloquently sings about the profound impact these artists have had on the music world and raises a reflective question about who will carry on their legacy once they are gone. The title itself encapsulates the song’s central theme—pondering who will step into the shoes of these musical giants and continue their traditions.
Jones recounts in a 1994 video retrospective that the idea for the song came from Troy Seals. Seals presented the concept to Jones and his producer, Billy Sherrill, and after a brief period, delivered a finished song that deeply impressed them. The result was a song that resonated strongly with fans and critics alike, capturing the essence of admiration and nostalgia for country music’s past.
The promotional video for the song, directed by Marc Ball, adds a visual layer to its message. Set at a roadside gas station, the video features Jones discovering a collection of classic country music memorabilia. As his tour bus departs, a young musician arrives, symbolizing the passing of the torch. This video, which won Music Video of the Year at the 1986 CMA Awards, highlights the song’s theme of legacy and continuity.
Despite its acclaim, the song’s timing was met with mixed feelings. As noted by Andrew Mueller, while the song celebrated the past, some of the legends mentioned still had many years ahead of them, as did Jones himself. Nonetheless, the song remains a heartfelt ode to the giants of country music and continues to be cherished by fans for its sincere reflection on the enduring impact of these musical icons.
Overall, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” is more than just a song; it’s a meaningful tribute that explores the legacy of country music legends and the ongoing search for new stars to carry forward their rich heritage.
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