Bobby Goldsboro – Honey

Introduction:

At first glance, “Honey”, released in 1967 by the soft-spoken singer Bobby Goldsboro, might appear as a simple ballad of a lovesick man yearning for his partner. However, beneath its seemingly straightforward lyrics lies a song that has transcended its time, resonating with listeners across generations for its relatable emotions and timeless message of commitment.

Composed by Bobby Russell, “Honey” wasn’t originally intended for Goldsboro. Initially, Russell produced a demo with Bob Shane, a member of the folk group The Kingston Trio. However, upon hearing the song, Goldsboro recognized its potential and recorded his own version, which quickly became a major hit.

“Honey” climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching number one in 1968. Its success wasn’t limited to the country music charts, where Goldsboro was a fixture. The song’s relatable theme and Goldsboro’s sincere vocals appealed to a wider audience, blurring genre lines and solidifying his place as a crossover artist.

While the song expresses a man’s longing for his absent partner, it delves deeper than mere physical separation. The lyrics detail the protagonist’s efforts to maintain normalcy despite his loneliness, highlighting the emotional toll of missing someone dearly. Lines like “And I surprised her with a puppy kept me up all Christmas Eve two years ago” showcase his attempts to distract himself with memories and positive experiences.

“Honey” stands out in the landscape of 1960s country music, a genre often dominated by themes of machismo and self-reliance. Goldsboro’s portrayal of vulnerability and his willingness to express his emotions resonated with listeners, particularly men who might not have felt comfortable expressing such feelings openly.

“Honey” continues to be a beloved classic. Its inclusion in films and television shows, as well as its enduring popularity at weddings and special occasions, speaks to the song’s enduring appeal. Goldsboro’s heartfelt rendition and the song’s relatable message ensure its place as a timeless treasure in the world of popular music.

“Honey” transcends the boundaries of a love song for a specific person. It’s an invitation to appreciate the value of connection in our lives. As Bobby Goldsboro’s voice carries you through the melody, remember, the human need for love and companionship is universal. Let this song inspire you to cherish the connections you have and embrace the vulnerability that comes with loving someone deeply.

Video:

Lyrics:

See the tree, how big it’s grown
But friend it hasn’t been too long
It wasn’t big
I laughed at her and she got mad,
The first day that she planted it
Was just a twig
Then the first snow came and she ran out
To brush the snow away
So it wouldn’t die
Came runnin’ in all excited
Slipped and almost hurt herself
And I laughed till I cried

She was always young at heart
Kinda dumb and kinda smart
And I loved her so
And I surprised her with a puppy
Kept me up all Christmas Eve two years ago
And it would sure embarrass her
When I came in from workin’ late
‘Cause I would know
That she’d been sittin’ there and cryin’
Over some sad and silly late, late show

And honey, I miss you and I’m bein’ good
And I’d love to be with you if only I could

She wrecked the car and she was sad
And so afraid that I’d be mad
But what the heck
Though I pretended hard to be
Guess you could say she saw through me
And hugged my neck
I came home unexpectedly
And caught her cryin’ needlessly
In the middle of a day
And it was in the early spring
When flowers bloom and robins sing
She went away

And honey, I miss you and I’m bein’ good
And I’d love to be with you if only I could

One day while I was not at home
While she was there and all alone
The angels came
Now all I have is memories of honey
And I wake up nights and call her name
Now my life’s an empty stage
Where honey lived and honey played
And love grew up
And a small cloud passes overhead
And cries down on the flower bed
That honey loved

And see the tree how big it’s grown
But friend it hasn’t been too long
It wasn’t big
And I laughed at her and she got mad
The first day that she planted it
Was just a twig