"These Days (I Barely Get By)" is a song by George Jones, released in 1978. The lyrics tell the story of a man's struggles and hardships in life, as he deals with physical pain, financial difficulties, a failed marriage, and the fear of unemployment. The song starts with the protagonist waking up in pain, unsure if he can go to work but willing to try. However, his car is in the shop, so he hitchhikes his way there. This emphasizes his financial strain as he can't afford to fix his car. As the day goes on, it starts to rain, making his journey back home from work even more difficult. When he arrives, he discovers that his wife has left him without any explanation. She leaves all her bills on the desk in the hallway, presumably adding to his financial burdens. The lyrics also mention the protagonist's unsuccessful attempt at betting on a horse race. He only had two dollars, and despite his hope to turn things around, he loses the bet, leading to his disappointment. The song also hints at the possibility of job loss, as the protagonist's boss warns about potential layoffs during winter. This adds another layer of worry and uncertainty to his already difficult situation. Throughout the song, Jones expresses the feeling of barely getting by and the desire to give up or succumb to the hardships of life. He sings about his struggles, both physically and emotionally, and the pain of his wife leaving him. The chorus, "These days I barely get by, I want to give up, lay down and die", portrays his desperation and the heaviness of his situation. Overall, "These Days (I Barely Get By)" tells the story of a man facing numerous challenges in life, including physical pain, financial troubles, a broken marriage, and the fear of unemployment. The song highlights the emotional toll these hardships can take, as the protagonist feels like he is barely surviving and yearns for a better life.
