About the song
**”He’ll Have to Go”** is a classic American country and pop song recorded by Jim Reeves on October 15, 1959. Released in the fall of 1959, the song swiftly became a hit in both genres early in 1960. The song’s narrative revolves around a man who is speaking to his beloved over the telephone, only to discover that another man is with her. As the situation unfolds, he asks her to tell her current companion to leave so that they can talk privately. The heartfelt lyrics set the scene, beginning with the lines: “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 juke box way down low / And you can tell your friend there with you he’ll have to go.”
The song was written by Joe and Audrey Allison, who were inspired by a real-life phone conversation between them. Audrey’s soft voice and background noise led Joe to request that she speak directly into the receiver, which in turn inspired the song’s opening line.
Jim Reeves decided to record “He’ll Have to Go” after hearing Billy Brown’s original version, which had not gained much attention. Reeves released it as the B-side of “In a Mansion Stands My Love.” While the A-side did not catch on, the B-side gained traction and quickly became a hit. The song’s popularity soared, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Country Singles chart, where it remained for 14 consecutive weeks. It also achieved notable success on the R&B Singles Chart and internationally, topping charts in Australia and making a significant impact in the UK and Canada.
The recording features a stellar group of musicians, including Floyd Cramer on piano, Marvin Hughes on vibraphone, and Hank Garland on guitar, with background vocals provided by the Anita Kerr Singers. Music historian Bill Malone praised the song for its conventional country roots, but noted its arrangement and Reeves’ velvety vocal style as key elements that defined its crossover appeal. The song remains a defining piece of Jim Reeves’ career and a staple in both country and pop music.
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