Possession Is Nine-Tenths of the Law

Jean Shepard · Your Forevers Don't Last Very Long [1967]

(Ronny Robinson - Carol Babcock)



You love her I know but I won't let you go

I just won't step out of the way

'Cause you're married to me and I won't set you free

Possession is nine-tenths of the law so they say.



I'll keep you as long as I possibly can

You were mine before she came our way

I refused to abide and I won't step aside

Possession is nine-tenths of the law so they say.



Forgive me for being so selfish

But for me there's just no other way

I just want to hold on do what's rightfully mine

Possession is nine-tenths of the law so they say.



--- Instrumental ---



Forgive me for being so selfish

But for me there's just no other way

I just want to hold on do what's rightfully mine

Possession is nine-tenths of the law so they say...

Possession Is Nine-Tenths of the Law

Jean Shepard stands as a defining figure in country music, celebrated for her distinctive voice and pioneering role in the honky-tonk genre. This track appears on her 1967 album Your Forevers Don't Last Very Long, a period where Shepard continued to refine her signature sound of emotional resilience and straightforward storytelling. Known for hits that often explored themes of heartbreak and independence, Shepard's work during this era solidified her status as a respected vocalist capable of delivering nuanced performances. The song reflects the broader themes found throughout her discography, capturing the complexities of relationships with characteristic clarity. As part of a substantial body of work that spans decades, this recording remains a testament to her enduring influence on the country music landscape and her ability to connect with audiences through timeless melodies and relatable narratives.