“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
In the spring of 1968, the world first heard the tender strains of “Honey,” a song that captured the hearts of many with its poignant narrative and melodious charm. Bobby Goldsboro’s rendition not only soared to the top of the charts but also left a lasting imprint on the listeners’ souls, echoing the bittersweet nature of love and loss.
About The Composition
- Title: Honey
- Composer: Bobby Russell
- Premiere Date: 1968
- Album/Opus/Collection: Single by Bobby Goldsboro
- Genre: Pop
Background
“Honey,” written by Bobby Russell and famously performed by Bobby Goldsboro, tells the heart-wrenching story of a man mourning the untimely death of his young wife. The song emerged during a time of great social and cultural change, reflecting a personal and intimate narrative rather than the political unrest of the era. Initially, it met with mixed reviews, with some critics dismissing it as overly sentimental, yet it climbed to the top of the charts, demonstrating its resonance with a wide audience. Its success marked a significant moment in Goldsboro’s career, defining his musical legacy.
Musical Style
“Honey” is characterized by its simple, yet compelling arrangement. The instrumentation is understated, featuring acoustic guitar, strings, and subtle orchestral touches that enhance the emotional gravity of the lyrics. The song follows a classic verse-chorus structure, which helps to emphasize the storytelling aspect, drawing listeners into the narrative arc of love and loss.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Honey” explore themes of love, reminiscence, and sorrow. The narrator recalls small, cherished moments with his late wife, from her innocent mistakes to the profound kindness she showed him. These vignettes are interwoven with the music, enhancing the emotional depth and impact of the song, making it a poignant reflection on loss and memory.
Performance History
Over the years, “Honey” has been covered by various artists, each bringing their own style and interpretation to the song, which has helped to keep it alive in the public’s consciousness. Its sentimental value has not diminished, evidenced by its continued presence on classic pop and oldies radio stations.
Cultural Impact
The song’s influence extends beyond the realm of music; it has been referenced in popular culture, including television and films, often used to evoke nostalgia or deep emotion. Its universal themes of love and loss have ensured its place in the emotional landscape of many generations, resonating with listeners across different backgrounds and ages.
Legacy
“Honey” remains a testament to the enduring power of narrative songwriting. Its ability to evoke a strong emotional response from its listeners has made it a staple in the canon of 20th-century pop music. The song continues to be celebrated not only for its lyrical depth but also for its capacity to connect with the listener on a personal level.
Conclusion
“Honey” by Bobby Goldsboro, with its poignant lyrics and memorable melody, invites us to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the permanence of love. It encourages listeners to revisit their own cherished memories of loved ones. For those looking to explore the song further, I recommend listening to Goldsboro’s original recording, which captures the raw emotional essence of the composition, ensuring an authentic experience of this timeless piece.
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