They're only fleeting things

There’s certainly a lot to love in the collective oeuvre of George Jones and Tammy Wynette* (both separate and together) – but one of their greatest achievements (at least this week) is the duet on “My Elusive Dreams.” The story of a husband and wife who pursue work and the good life, from Nebraska to Alaska, it’s about the true meanings of standing by your man and following your dreams…

The producer (Billy Sherill I assume) pulls out all the obvious tricks - the strings, the “heartfelt” piano, the way the band drops out for the most dramatic line. On that line the songwriter goes for the absolute most shameless heart-tugger: he has the couple's kid die. Still through it all they stick together… and because it’s so well-crafted the song is ultimately inspiring – even though you know it’s fake.

*(and ok, quibblers, I just discovered from a web search that the song was originally a hit in ’67 for Tammy with David Houston, but the George and Tammy version is the one I have and the one I know, so that’s what I’m gonna talk about here!)