About the song
“He’ll Have to Go” stands as a timeless classic in both country and pop music, recorded by Jim Reeves on October 15, 1959, and released later that fall. Written by Joe and Audrey Allison, the song was inspired by a real-life telephone conversation between the couple, where background noise prompted Audrey to speak closely into the receiver, initiating the iconic opening lines.
Jim Reeves’ rendition of “He’ll Have to Go” emerged after he heard an earlier version by Billy Brown, which had garnered little attention. Reeves decided to record his interpretation, initially released as the B-side to “In a Mansion Stands My Love.” Despite the label’s preference for the latter, DJs across the country flipped the record, favoring “He’ll Have to Go” for its emotive storytelling and Reeves’ velvet-smooth vocals.
The song’s narrative unfolds with poignant simplicity: a man, speaking over the phone to his beloved, realizes another man is present. He calmly suggests she tell her companion “he’ll have to go,” creating a tension-filled atmosphere heightened by Reeves’ resonant baritone and the soothing harmonies of the Anita Kerr Singers.
Chart success swiftly followed its release. In 1960, “He’ll Have to Go” peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held off the top spot only by Percy Faith’s “Theme from A Summer Place.” Nevertheless, it secured the number 1 position on the Hot Country Singles chart for an impressive 14 weeks, becoming one of the defining hits of Reeves’ career. Billboard ranked it as the second most successful song of 1960, underscoring its widespread popularity across genres.
Internationally, the song achieved significant acclaim, topping charts in Canada and Australia, and reaching number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. Its crossover appeal was bolstered by its emotive lyrics and Reeves’ masterful delivery, which resonated with audiences far beyond country music circles.
Musically, “He’ll Have to Go” is characterized by its lush arrangement featuring Floyd Cramer on piano, Marvin Hughes on vibraphone, and Hank Garland on guitar, creating a backdrop that blends country sincerity with a touch of pop sophistication. This unique blend contributed to its appeal on both sides of the Atlantic and cemented Jim Reeves’ reputation as a vocalist with a rare ability to convey emotion with subtlety and grace.
Decades after its release, “He’ll Have to Go” remains a staple of classic country and pop playlists, a testament to its enduring appeal and Jim Reeves’ enduring legacy as a pioneer in the genre.
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Lyrics
Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone
Let’s pretend that we’re together all alone
I’ll tell the man to turn the jukebox way down low
And you can tell your friend there with you, he’ll have to go
Whisper to me, tell me do you love me true
Or is he holding you the way I do?
Though love is blind, make up your mind, I’ve got to know
Should I hang up or will you tell him, he’ll have to go?
You can’t say the words I want to hear
While you’re with another man
Do you want me? Answer yes or no
Darling, I will understand
Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone
Let’s pretend that we’re together all alone
I’ll tell the man to turn the jukebox way down low
And you can tell your friend there with you
He’ll have to go