About The Song
“Still” is a country music standard written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Bill Anderson. Released in February 1963 as the lead single from his album Still on Decca Records, the song became one of the longest-running No. 1 hits in Billboard country chart history. Produced by Owen Bradley at Bradley’s Barn studio in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, the track features Anderson’s distinctive spoken-word recitation followed by a sung chorus, backed by a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar, piano, and the subtle Jordanaires harmonies. Clocking in at 2:47, its understated production perfectly framed Anderson’s emotional delivery.
Bill Anderson, born James William Anderson III on November 1, 1937, in Columbia, South Carolina, had already established himself as a prolific songwriter by 1963. Nicknamed “Whisperin’ Bill” for his soft vocal style, he scored earlier hits with “City Lights” (1958, written at age 19) and “The Tip of My Fingers” (1960). He wrote “Still” in 1962 after observing a former high school sweetheart who remained strikingly unchanged years later. The song was recorded on December 18, 1962, with session legends including guitarist Harold Bradley, pianist Pig Robbins, and bassist Bob Moore.
Upon release in February 1963, “Still” entered the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reached No. 1 on May 18, 1963. It held the top position for an astonishing seven consecutive weeks (May 18 – June 29, 1963), tying the then-record for longest run at No. 1 on the country chart. It spent a total of 26 weeks on the chart and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 8 — Anderson’s highest pop placement to date. The single earned BMI awards and helped solidify Anderson’s reputation as both performer and songwriter.
The accompanying album Still, released in June 1963, reached No. 10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and remained on the chart for 36 weeks. The song’s B-side, “Little Band of Gold,” also charted modestly at No. 47. Its success earned Anderson his first Grammy nomination in 1964 for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance – Male. The track has been covered numerous times, most notably by Tom Jones (1971, UK Top 10), Kenny Rogers, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire. In 1999, Anderson re-recorded it as a duet with Jan Howard for his album Still Bill Anderson.
Behind the scenes, Anderson originally pitched the song to Kitty Wells, who turned it down, leading him to record it himself. The spoken intro — delivered in Anderson’s trademark whisper — was captured in a single take. The song’s simple yet devastating lyric about unrequited love and the passage of time struck a universal chord, making it a staple on country radio for decades. It remains one of the most requested songs in Anderson’s live performances and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of 1960s country music.
Video
Lyric
Still though I made it clear to you
That we were through
Still after all the things we’ve been through
I still love youStill after all this time has passed
And we’re apart
Still you’re the only one
Who’s ever touched my heartStill when I see you with somebody new
It hurts me so
Still I can’t help but wonder
If you love him more than you loved me
Or if you love him at allStill I guess I’ll always be
The fool I used to be
Still I’m not over you
And I guess I never will be
Still