About the song
Bobby Goldsboro’s “Honey” is a timeless ballad that has touched the hearts of millions. Released in 1968, the song quickly ascended to the top of the charts, becoming a global sensation. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its poignant lyrics, heartfelt melody, and Goldsboro’s emotive performance.
Written by Bobby Russell, “Honey” is a poignant reflection on loss and longing. The song begins with a simple image: a tree growing in a garden. This seemingly ordinary detail becomes a metaphor for the passage of time and the enduring memory of a loved one. As the narrator gazes upon the tree, he is transported back to the day his wife planted it, a time filled with joy and hope.
The song’s narrative unfolds slowly, building tension and anticipation. In the third verse, the devastating truth is finally revealed: the wife has passed away. The narrator’s grief is palpable as he recalls the day “the angels came.” This powerful image evokes a sense of peace and acceptance, even in the face of immense sorrow.
Goldsboro’s vocal performance is a masterclass in emotional expression. His voice is both tender and powerful, capturing the nuances of the narrator’s grief. The arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing the lyrics and melody to take center stage. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
“Honey” is more than just a popular song; it is a timeless piece of art that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its poignant lyrics, heartfelt melody, and Goldsboro’s emotive performance have cemented its place in the annals of popular music history.
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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