The song He’ll Have to Go by Jim Reeves, released in 1959, is a timeless country and pop ballad. Written by Joe and Audrey Allison, it was originally recorded by Billy Brown.
This song became a major hit for Jim Reeves, reaching number one on the Billboard country chart and number two on the pop chart. It went on to become one of Reeves’ signature songs and has since been covered by many artists across different genres.
Did You Know?
Released in 1959, He’ll Have to Go
Written by Joe and Audrey Allison, it has been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley.
The song’s lyrics were inspired by a real-life phone conversation between Joe Allison and his wife, capturing the emotion and intimacy that Reeves passionately conveyed in his performance.
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, darlin’ 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
