Introduction
Rory Feek’s cover of “Time Won’t Tell”, originally written by legendary songwriter Harlan Howard and acclaimed singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman, serves as a poignant centerpiece on his solo album Gentle Man, released on June 18, 2021, through Gaither Music Group. Feek first encountered the song in the mid-1990s while working as a writer for Harlan Howard. Even then, he felt a deep connection to its lyrical honesty and emotional resonance, envisioning his late wife, Joey Feek, performing it.
In his own words, Feek reflected on the song’s profound relevance in his life: “All these years later, the lyric is even more special to me. It’s been five years since Joey passed, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wonder what life might be like if she was still here…” . This literal and emotional backdrop adds a stirring layer to the song’s themes of waiting, acceptance, and faith.
Feek’s rendition is steeped in rich country and bluegrass traditions—hearkening back to his roots but layered with the heartache of loss and the wisdom that comes with time. The gentle acoustic backdrop underscores his weathered voice, making the chorus—“sometimes, time won’t tell”—feel like a slow revelation embraced with maturity, not just sorrow .
In covering “Time Won’t Tell”, Feek pays tribute not only to Howard and Chapman’s timeless songwriting but also to his own life’s journey. From his early days writing chart-topping hits for artists like Clay Walker and Blake Shelton, through his deep partnership with Joey in Joey + Rory, and into his solo career and life as a widower and father, the song mirrors Feek’s past transitions .
Ultimately, “Time Won’t Tell” stands as a testament to patience, endurance, and the paradox that while time heals, it doesn’t always offer the answers we seek. Its inclusion in Gentle Man underscores the album’s overarching themes—gentleness, reflection, and hope amid loss.