About The Song
In the annals of country music, few names resonate with the depth and poignancy of George Jones. Known as the “Possum,” Jones possessed a voice that could wring emotion from even the most stoic listener, his weathered baritone imbued with a lifetime of heartache and resilience. Among his many indelible classics, “Hell Stays Open” stands as a towering testament to his artistry, a song that encapsulates the raw essence of country storytelling.
Released in 1990 as the title track of Jones’s album You Oughta Be Here with Me, “Hell Stays Open” is a ballad that delves into the depths of human regret and despair. With its haunting melody and Jones’s world-weary vocals, the song paints a vivid picture of a man haunted by his past mistakes, his soul teetering on the precipice of damnation.
The lyrics, penned by B. Harden, are a masterclass in country songwriting, weaving together vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion. The narrator, a man consumed by guilt and remorse, finds himself contemplating the afterlife, his only solace the belief that hell’s fiery gates will remain open, waiting to welcome him into its eternal embrace.
“Hell Stays Open” is not a song for the faint of heart. It is a stark and unflinching examination of the human condition, a raw exploration of the consequences of sin and self-destruction. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope, a suggestion that even in the face of our darkest moments, redemption may still be possible.
Jones’s delivery of the song is nothing short of masterful. His voice, raw and emotive, drips with vulnerability and regret, perfectly capturing the desperation of a man wrestling with his demons. Every note, every inflection, is imbued with a lifetime of pain and longing.
“Hell Stays Open” is a country music classic, a song that has resonated with listeners for decades. It is a testament to the power of music to touch the soul, to evoke the deepest emotions, and to remind us of our shared humanity. In the hands of George Jones, it becomes a masterpiece, a haunting ballad that lingers long after the final notes have faded.
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Lyric
She said, helloAnd I said, “hon’, it’s me”She said, “I might have known”And I said, “oh, listen pleaseLeaving you for her was wrongPlease let me come back homeThis old town’s closed downAnd I have no place to go”And she said“Hell stays open all night longHell never closesIt’s open from dawn ’til dawn”When I slammed the door to HeavenI should have knownThat Hell stays open all night longShe said, “goodbyeAnd don’t call me anymoreFor the one that I love nowIs at my doorThe one that took your placeIt’s something you’ll just have to faceAs far as I’m concernedWhen you have no place to go — remember”Hell stays open all night longHell never closesIt’s open from dawn ’til dawnWhen I slammed the door to HeavenLord I should have knownThat Hell stays open all night longHell stays open all night long