About the song
Bobby Goldsboro’s classic hit, “Honey”, is a poignant and timeless ballad that delves into the profound depths of grief and the enduring power of love. Written by the talented Bobby Russell, the song was initially recorded by Bob Shane and later popularized by Goldsboro, whose soulful rendition catapulted it to the top of the charts in several countries.
“Honey” is a heart-wrenching tale of loss and longing. The narrator, consumed by grief, reflects on the happy memories shared with his beloved wife. The song begins with a simple yet evocative image: a tree in the garden that was once a mere twig, planted by his wife’s loving hands. This seemingly insignificant detail serves as a powerful metaphor for the growth and nourishment their love provided.
As the song progresses, the narrator’s pain becomes increasingly palpable. He yearns for his wife’s presence, haunted by the absence of her comforting touch and reassuring words. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, painting a picture of a life once filled with joy and now consumed by sorrow.
The song’s most poignant moment arrives in the third verse, where the truth is finally revealed: “one day…the angels came.” This heartbreaking line implies that the narrator’s wife has passed away, leaving him to grapple with the devastating reality of her loss. The song’s conclusion is both bittersweet and hopeful, as the narrator expresses his enduring love for his departed wife and his belief in their eternal connection.
“Honey” is more than just a popular song; it is a testament to the enduring power of love and the profound impact that loss can have on the human heart. Goldsboro’s emotive performance captures the raw emotion and vulnerability of the lyrics, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
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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