Charlie’s Shoes, song written by Roy Baham, was recorded by Billy Walker for the Columbia label, was recorded for the first time on April 21, 1961, Bradley Film and Recording Studio, 804 16th Ave. South, Nashville, TN, Billy was accompanied in the recording by: Hank Garland (guitar), Harold Bradley (guitar), Jerry Byrd (steel), Joseph Zinkan (bass), Buddy Harman (drums) and Floyd Cramer (piano). With the production of Don Law, and November 20 was recorded again, finally the song was released in February 1962, on May 12, 1962, reached the number # 1 on the charts of U.S Billboard Hot C & W Sides. It was the only number-one country hit of Walker’s career, spending two non-consecutive weeks at the top spot and 23 weeks on the chart.

The song was included in Billy’s first compilation album, Billy Walker’s Greatest Hits (Columbia 1963).




Versions:

Guy Mitchell 1962 (Joy Records)
Eddy Arnold 1963 (RCA Victor)

Miquel Batlle Garriga
mbatllegarriga@gmail.com

Billy Walker – Charlie’s Shoes Lyrics

I’d like to be in Charlie’s shoes, that’s what I always said
‘Cause he had you and everything tied with a golden thread
Then Charlie left and went away and when I got the news
It wasn’t long till I was walking ‘round in Charlie’s shoes

Now I’m wearing out the shoes that Charlie wore
Walking back and forth across the floor
The troubles that drove him away, I’ve got for company
These nights in Charlie’s shoes are killing me

The greener grass that turned my head so swiftly did turn brown
‘Cause every little dream I’ve built she’s always tearing down
I never knew old Charlie’s shoes could have so many tacks
Of disappointing sorrows and I wish he had ‘em back

‘Cause I’m wearing out the shoes that Charlie wore
Walking back and forth across the floor
The troubles that drove him away, I’ve got for company
These nights in Charlie’s shoes are killing me