"Life To Go" by George Jones is a poignant country song with a deep introspective theme. The lyrics tell the story of a narrator who is incarcerated and has been in jail for eighteen years. The song reflects the remorse and longing the narrator feels for the life and loved ones they left behind. The song begins with the narrator acknowledging that they have a sad story they don't like to share. They once had a home and family, but circumstances led them to end up locked in a prison cell. Despite the passing of time, the narrator feels that it holds little meaning to them as they still have a lifetime ahead of them in confinement. The story unfolds further as the narrator recalls a night when they went out seeking some form of escape in the bright lights of the city. They meet an old friend who held them in high regard, and they proceed to have a night of revelry, visiting various honky-tonks. However, an argument or a conflict arises, which ultimately results in the death of the friend. The narrator regrets their action, acknowledging that they had to bring their friend down in some way, leading to a deep sense of remorse. The lyrics also address the loss of connection with the narrator's wife and their daughter. It seems that if the narrator hadn't committed the act that led to their imprisonment, they would still be with their wife. The narrator wonders if their daughter, who was young when they were incarcerated, understands their absence or the length of time they have spent in jail. The song expresses the prisoner's sadness and the heavy burden they carry. They feel isolated from the outside world and unable to be with their loved ones. The narrator acknowledges that their circumstances are unique, not knowing anyone who has spent as long in jail as they have. They recognize that they will remain in prison until they become nothing more than a shell of their former self. The haunting repetition of the line "Yes, I've still got life to go" emphasizes the narrator's inner reflection on the long road ahead of them. It serves as a reminder of the mistakes they have made, the consequences they face, and the longing they feel for the life they left behind. Overall, George Jones's "Life To Go" delves deep into the emotions of a prisoner who reflects on their past choices, remorse, and the enduring sentence they must face. The lyrics evoke sympathy and contemplation about the idea of time, regret, and the limitations imposed by incarceration.
