George Jones’ “Choices” Stands as a Heartfelt Testament to Redemption in 1999
By the time George Jones released Choices in 1999, he had already lived a lifetime in country music—one filled with triumphs, heartbreaks, and battles with personal demons. The song, a haunting ballad of regret and redemption, resonated deeply with audiences who knew Jones’ turbulent history. With lyrics that spoke of the consequences of one’s decisions, Choices felt autobiographical, even if Jones hadn’t written it himself. The song became a powerful late-career statement, proving that even in his later years, “The Possum” could still deliver a performance filled with raw emotion and hard-earned wisdom.
Born in 1931 in Saratoga, Texas, George Jones grew up in a world where music was both an escape and a calling. His early exposure to gospel, honky-tonk, and the ballads of Hank Williams shaped his distinctive vocal style. Unlike many country singers of his era, Jones had an unmatched ability to bend a note, drawing out every ounce of emotion from a lyric. His career took off in the 1950s with hits like Why Baby Why and White Lightning, but his personal life was often as turbulent as his music was compelling. Jones struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse for decades, earning him the nickname “No Show Jones” due to his frequent absences from concerts.
Choices was written by Billy Yates and Mike Curtis, but it could have easily been lifted from the pages of Jones’ own life. The lyrics tell the story of a man reflecting on the choices he’s made, recognizing the self-inflicted wounds caused by his past decisions. Lines like “I had choices, since the day that I was born / There were voices that told me right from wrong” paint a picture of a man who acknowledges his missteps but refuses to offer excuses. Jones’ connection to the song was undeniable—it was the story of his battle with addiction, failed relationships, and hard-fought redemption.
The recording of Choices took place in 1999, with Keith Stegall producing. Stegall, known for his work with Alan Jackson, helped craft a simple yet effective arrangement that placed Jones’ soulful, trembling voice front and center. Unlike the polished, radio-friendly country of the late ‘90s, Choices was stripped down—an acoustic guitar, a sorrowful steel guitar, and a gentle piano backed Jones’ deeply felt performance. The production allowed every word to resonate, giving listeners an unfiltered glimpse into his soul.
Upon release, Choices quickly gained critical acclaim. It became one of Jones’ most celebrated late-career songs, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1999. Though it didn’t climb to the top of the charts in an era dominated by a new wave of country stars, its impact extended far beyond commercial rankings. Critics and fans alike praised the song as a masterclass in country storytelling, proving that George Jones had lost none of his power as a vocalist.
The song’s biggest controversy came at the 1999 CMA Awards, when Jones was offered the chance to perform—but only in an abbreviated version. Feeling disrespected, he refused. Alan Jackson, a longtime admirer of Jones, made a bold statement during his own performance of Pop a Top by abruptly stopping and launching into Choices in full, as a tribute to his hero. The moment became one of the most iconic protests in CMA history, underlining the respect Jones commanded among real country artists.
For Jones, Choices was more than just a song—it was a turning point. Though he had battled addiction for decades, he had finally sobered up in the mid-’90s. The song became his anthem of redemption, a public acknowledgment of the pain he had caused himself and those around him. It also reignited interest in his career, introducing him to younger audiences who may have only known him as a legend rather than an active artist.
Beyond Jones himself, Choices left a lasting imprint on country music. In an era when mainstream country was shifting toward a more pop-oriented sound, the song reminded listeners of the genre’s roots in honesty, pain, and hard-earned wisdom. It also inspired artists like Jamey Johnson and Chris Stapleton, both of whom have built careers on the kind of raw, authentic storytelling that Choices exemplified.
Many artists have paid homage to Choices over the years. Billy Yates, one of the song’s writers, recorded his own version, but none could match the sheer weight of Jones’ rendition. The song has since been covered by several traditional country singers, all seeking to tap into the depth of emotion Jones brought to it. Every performance serves as a reminder of the unmatched storytelling power that George Jones possessed.
At the time of Choices‘ release, Jones was in the midst of a personal and professional renaissance. He had fully embraced sobriety and was enjoying his role as country music’s elder statesman. Though he had spent years battling his own demons, the song symbolized his victory over them. It was a final declaration that, despite everything, he had lived to tell his story.
Today, Choices is remembered as one of George Jones’ most poignant and deeply personal songs. Even after his passing in 2013, it remains a fan favorite, often cited as one of the greatest country songs of all time. It continues to receive airplay on classic country stations and is frequently performed in tribute concerts honoring Jones’ legacy.
The song also played a role in shaping how country music handles themes of regret and redemption. While many artists sing about heartbreak and mistakes, few have done so with the sheer authenticity that Jones brought to Choices. Its influence can be heard in the work of modern traditionalists who aim to keep the storytelling traditions of country music alive.
Though George Jones had already secured his place in country music history long before Choices, the song added another layer to his legendary career. It was a final reminder of why he was widely regarded as the greatest country singer of all time—a man whose voice could bring a lifetime of emotion into a single line. As long as country music values truth, sorrow, and redemption, Choices will remain an immortal testament to one of its greatest voices.
