Unveiling the Melancholic Masterpiece: Charley Pride’s “Where Do I Put Her Memory”
In the realm of country music, some songs have the power to touch our souls and resonate deeply with our emotions. One such captivating piece is Charley Pride‘s timeless hit, “Where Do I Put Her Memory.” Penned by the talented songwriter Jim Weatherly, this chart-topping song took the country music scene by storm in 1979, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners.
The journey of this poignant ballad began when Weatherly found himself in his mother’s Mississippi home, seeking solace and inspiration for his songwriting. In the simplicity of the room, adorned with cherished photographs and a chest of drawers, Weatherly experienced a moment of clarity. It dawned on him that while material possessions could be discarded, memories remain eternally ingrained in our hearts. Thus, the concept of “Where Do I Put Her Memory” was born.
With a career primarily focused on songwriting, Jim Weatherly had already established himself as a masterful wordsmith. His compositions, including iconic hits like “Neither One of Us” and “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” performed by Gladys Knight and the Pips, had already captivated audiences across genres. Weatherly’s ability to evoke deep emotions through his lyrics shines through in “Where Do I Put Her Memory,” as he artfully explores the lingering pain of lost love.
Interestingly, Charley Pride himself had not initially envisioned “Where Do I Put Her Memory” as a single. However, when he grew dissatisfied with some of his recent recordings, he and producer Jerry Bradley revisited their earlier works. Recognizing the raw emotional power and authenticity of the track, they decided to release it as a single with a few minor refinements.
The impact was nothing short of extraordinary. “Where Do I Put Her Memory” ascended to the pinnacle of success, reaching the coveted #1 spot on Billboard’s country singles chart on April 28, 1979. This remarkable achievement marked Pride’s 21st out of an incredible 29 number one hits, cementing his status as a country music legend.
Through Charley Pride’s heartfelt delivery and Weatherly’s evocative storytelling, “Where Do I Put Her Memory” captured the hearts of listeners with its relatable theme of longing and reflection. Its profound lyrics and melodic grace continue to resonate with audiences, standing the test of time as a true masterpiece of country music.
As we look back on the captivating journey of “Where Do I Put Her Memory,” we are reminded of the power of music to convey our deepest emotions. Charley Pride’s soul-stirring rendition and Jim Weatherly’s lyrical brilliance have forever etched this song into the annals of country music history. Let us celebrate this timeless gem and cherish the memories it invokes as we pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Charley Pride and his remarkable 59-year career.
Artist: Charley Pride
Released: 1978
Album: Burgers and Fries
Lyrics
I’ve taken down all of her pictures
I’ve cleaned out all of her drawers
I’ve painted over the scratches
From all of our little wars
I’ve put away every gift
That she ever gave to me
Now everything is in its place
Except for her memory
And where do I put her memory
When it haunts me night and day
I can’t hide it in the closet
And Lord, I can’t throw it away
And where do I put her memory
When it’s always in my mind
I can’t chase it, erase it, I just have to face it
It’s gonna be there a long, long time
I got rid of the pillow
Where she used to lay her head
I’ve picked up her hairpins and curlers
That she dropped on her side of the bed
I’ve locked away each souvenir
And thrown away the key
Now everything is in it’s place
Except for her memory
And where do I put her memory
When it’s always in my mind
I can’t chase it, erase it, I just have to face it
It’s gonna be there a long, long time
It’s gonna be there a long, long time