About the song
“A Picture of Me (Without You)” is a notable album by the legendary American country singer George Jones, released in 1972 on the Epic Records label. This album, Jones’ 47th studio release, stands out as his second solo LP for Epic Records and forms part of an exceptionally prolific year for the artist. In 1972, Jones also released two duet albums with his wife, Tammy Wynette, showcasing his remarkable output and versatility.
This album marked a significant moment in Jones’ career. After the moderate success of his debut Epic album, *George Jones (We Can Make It)*, which reached number 10 on the country albums chart, “A Picture of Me (Without You)” performed even better, climbing to number three. The album diverges from the themes of youthful romance explored in his first Epic release, offering a richer and more varied exploration of emotional landscapes.
The title track, “A Picture of Me (Without You),” was the only single from the album, and it reached number five on the Billboard country singles chart. The song is a reflection of Jones’ masterful ability to convey heartbreak and longing, themes that are deeply woven throughout the album. Other standout tracks include the heart-wrenching “On The Back Row” and a rendition of Ernest Tubb’s “Tomorrow Never Comes,” a classic that Elvis Presley had also recorded.
The album also features Tom T. Hall’s “Second Handed Flowers,” showcasing Jones’ talent for storytelling through song. This album was a testament to the evolving partnership between Jones and producer Billy Sherrill. Despite Sherrill’s inclination toward a more polished sound, he managed to create a balance that complemented Jones’ raw, emotive vocal style.
Biographer Bob Allen captures Jones’ dedication to maintaining the authenticity of country music in his book, *George Jones: The Life and Times of a Honky Tonk Legend*. Jones himself expressed his commitment to preserving the essence of country music, resisting over-the-top orchestration in favor of a more genuine sound.
Mark Beming of AllMusic highlights the successful fusion of Sherrill’s production style with Jones’ honky-tonk roots, noting that the album achieves a “low-key, late-night feel” that perfectly suits Jones’ bluesy voice. For those curious about why Gram Parsons revered Jones as “the king of broken hearts,” this album offers a compelling glimpse into his mastery of the genre.
Video
Lyrics
Imagine a world where no music was playin’
Then think of a church with nobody prayin’
If you’ve ever looked up at a sky with no blue
Then you’ve seen a picture of me without you
Have you walked in a garden where nothing was growin’
Or stood by a river where nothing was flowin’
If you’ve seen a red rose unkissed by the dew
Then you’ve seen a picture of me without you
Can you picture Heaven with no angels singin’
Or a quiet Sunday morning with no church bells ringin’
If you’ve watched as the heart of a child breaks in two
Then you’ve seen a picture of me without you