The song "New Patches" by George Jones tells the story of a person who is still deeply in love with someone from their past. The lyrics express the narrator's resistance to moving on or starting a new relationship because their heart still belongs to someone else. The references to old friends trying to set the narrator up with someone new indicate that others believe they should move on and find happiness elsewhere. However, the narrator explains that they don't have the emotional strength to start over. Their heart and feelings are still devoted to the person they have known for a long time. The line "you just don't put new patches on old garments" is a metaphor, suggesting that the narrator doesn't believe in trying to mend or replace their old love with someone new. They emphasize that they don't want anyone else on their mind or someone new to cling to. They are still in love with the person from their past and cannot shift their affections. Overall, the song explores the deep emotional connection and loyalty the narrator still has for their past love, highlighting their struggle to move on and find happiness with someone new.