In the heart of American country music lies a profound respect for its legends, a sentiment beautifully encapsulated in Vern Gosdin's chart-topping hit, "Set 'Em Up Joe." Released in April 1988 as part of his album Chiseled in Stone, this song pays homage to the iconic Ernest Tubb while weaving a narrative of love lost and the solace found in classic country tunes.
Gosdin, alongside Dean Dillon, Buddy Cannon, and Hank Cochran, crafted a piece that speaks to country music aficionados. The lyrics paint a picture of a heartbroken narrator seeking solace in the familiar strains of beloved tunes like "Walking the Floor Over You." Through vintage melodies and evocative storytelling, Gosdin invites listeners to join him on a journey through the annals of country music history.
In a touching tribute to the genre's luminaries, Gosdin references the likes of Hank Williams Sr. and Lefty Frizzell, infusing the song with a sense of reverence and nostalgia. As he croons, "Set 'em up Joe and play 'Walking The Floor,'" one can almost feel the echoes of honky-tonk bars and the timeless allure of vinyl records spinning on a Victrola.
We hope you enjoy this classic live performance from 1988!
The American Beat approves.
