Song Information
“Choices” is a deeply personal ballad performed by George Jones, written by Billy Yates and Mike Curtis. The song was released in 1999 as the lead single from Jones’ album Cold Hard Truth, under the Asylum Records label. The track marked a powerful return for Jones, especially following a near-fatal car crash in March 1999, caused by drunk driving—a real-life event that eerily mirrored the song’s message.
“Choices” won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2000 and is widely recognized as one of the most heartfelt performances in country music history. Though Jones had a long legacy of emotional songs, “Choices” stood out for its raw honesty and autobiographical weight.
Song Meaning
“Choices” is a powerful reflection on the consequences of a life lived with hard decisions, some regrettable and others inevitable. The lyrics are confessional, stripped down, and brutally honest. Lines like “I’ve had choices since the day that I was born / There were voices that told me right from wrong” acknowledge the awareness of free will and the heavy burden that comes with it.
Jones sings with a trembling honesty that speaks not only to his personal struggles with alcoholism and tumultuous relationships but also to the broader human condition—how each choice we make carves out the path of our lives. The slow tempo and simple instrumentation allow his voice, and the emotions behind it, to take center stage.
Rather than offering redemption or seeking sympathy, the song simply lays it all bare. It’s not an apology—it’s a reckoning. “Choices” is a man looking back at a lifetime of missteps, understanding that every painful moment was a road he willingly took. It’s humble, honest, and universally resonant.
Deeper Meaning: Why Was the Song Controversial?
The release of “Choices” stirred conversation, not just for its lyrics but for a notable controversy at the 1999 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. George Jones was invited to perform the song but was asked to deliver a shortened version. Offended by the request—given the deeply personal nature of the lyrics—Jones refused to attend.
In a surprising move, fellow artist Alan Jackson, during his own performance at the CMA Awards, stopped mid-song and instead performed the chorus of “Choices” in protest. It was an unforgettable moment of solidarity and respect for Jones and for artistic integrity.
But beyond the awards show drama, the song struck a raw nerve with listeners. George Jones had lived every word. His public battle with alcoholism, his near-fatal crash, and decades of personal upheaval gave weight to every lyric. It was not just a song—it was a statement of accountability.
The controversy and public support surrounding the song only deepened its legacy. “Choices” reminded fans and critics alike that country music is at its best when it tells the truth—no matter how painful that truth might be.
Watch the Song Video:
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65rp71bFWGg
Lyrics
I’ve had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today
Living and dying with the choices I’ve made
I was tempted, by an early age I found
I liked drinkin’, oh, and I never turned it down
There were loved ones but I turned them all away
Now I’m living and dying with the choices I’ve made
I’ve had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today
Living and dying with the choices I’ve made
I guess I’m payin’ for the things that I have done
If I could go back, oh, Lord knows I’d run
But I’m still losin’ this game of life I play
Losing and dying with the choices I’ve made
I’ve had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today
Living and dying with the choices I’ve made
Living and dying with the choices I’ve made