"Ol' George Stopped Drinkin' Today" is a song by country music legend George Jones. The song tells the story of George's personal struggle with alcohol addiction and his decision to finally quit drinking. In the lyrics, George acknowledges that he and the bottle have been friends for a long time. They have had numerous fights, but the bottle always seemed to win. However, George has now reached a point in his life where he wants to change. He wants to leave behind the destructive habit of drinking. As the song progresses, George imagines what people will say when he stops drinking. They will gather around him and acknowledge his achievement. He wishes they could hear him say that he will no longer have to worry about income taxes or bills to pay. The song also references the Mississippi Highway Patrol reading about George's decision to quit drinking in the newspaper. It implies that George's change will be recognized and respected even by law enforcement. The lyrics also suggest that George's struggle with addiction affected his personal and professional life. He had trouble managing his time and couldn't seem to make it anywhere on time. However, when his time comes and he enters heaven, George believes that he will be welcomed with open arms (by the Possum, a nickname given to him by fans). "Ol' George Stopped Drinkin' Today" is a powerful and reflective song that explores the redemption and personal growth that can come from overcoming addiction. It showcases George Jones' raw and emotional storytelling ability, as he bares his own struggles for the world to hear.
