About The Song
Released in 1985 on the Epic Records label, the song is the title track of Jones’ 45th studio album. Peaked at number three on the Hot Country Singles chart. Jones wrote the song with Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes, and it won a CMA Award for Video of the Year for its classic music video. Reflects on iconic figures of country music like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Marty Robbins, highlighting their profound impact on the industry. Acknowledges the scarcity of singers capable of stirring deep emotions and imagines a world without them. Honors past country music stars while lamenting the future of the genre.
Video
Lyrics
You know this old world is full of singers
But just a few are chosen
To tear your heart out when they sing
Imagine life without them
All your, radio heros
Like the outlaw that walks through Jesse’s dream
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
[Chorus:]
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 Fifties
Old Jerry Lee and Charlie
And old Go Cat Go still echoes through the years
You know the heart of country music
Still beats in Luke the Drifter
You can tell when hew sings 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
[Chorus:]
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?..