About the song
“Honeycomb,” penned by Bob Merrill in 1954, stands as a timeless classic in American popular music, immortalized by Jimmie Rodgers’ iconic rendition. Originally released in 1957, Rodgers’ recording soared to the summit of the Billboard Top 100, claiming the coveted number one spot and securing its place in music history. The song’s charm extended beyond borders, clinching the number one position in Canada for an impressive four weeks. Notably, “Honeycomb” also ascended to the top of the R&B Best Sellers chart and achieved a respectable seventh place on the Country & Western Best Sellers chart, ultimately earning gold record status.
The lyrical sweetness of “Honeycomb” found itself echoed in subsequent musical creations, notably referenced in the McGuire Sisters’ hit “Sugartime.” Here, the soloist’s plea to “Just be my honeycomb” resonates with both the sisters and a male chorus, embedding the song’s honeyed refrain deep into the era’s musical consciousness.
Decades later, “Honeycomb” continued to captivate new audiences through various cover versions. Gary Morris’ rendition in 1986 became a notable country hit, peaking at number twenty-seven on the charts. Even Ricky Nelson, on his debut album in 1957, and the Ray Conniff Singers in 1965 contributed their own interpretations, showcasing the song’s enduring appeal across different genres and eras.
In a testament to its lasting influence, Jimmie Rodgers’ rendition was prominently featured in the 2020 Netflix psychological thriller film, *The Devil All the Time*, reintroducing the song to a contemporary audience and underscoring its versatility and timeless allure.
Most recently, Brian Wilson, of Beach Boys fame, breathed new life into “Honeycomb” with his rendition in 2021. Footage of Wilson’s recording session was featured in the documentary *Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road*, with the completed recording included on the film’s soundtrack, further cementing the song’s enduring legacy in popular culture.
Through its chart-topping success, cross-genre appeal, and continued presence in modern media, “Honeycomb” remains not just a song, but a nostalgic touchstone that continues to resonate with listeners, showcasing the enduring power of classic American music.
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Lyrics
Well it’s a darn good life
And it’s kinda funny
How the Lord made the bee
And the bee made the honey
And the honeybee lookin’ for a home
And they called it honeycomb
And they roamed the world and they gathered all
Of the honeycomb into one sweet ball
And the honeycomb from a million trips
Made my baby’s lips
Oh, Honeycomb, won’t you be my baby
Well, Honeycomb, be my own
Got a hank o’ hair and a piece o’ bone
And made a walkin’ talkin’ Honeycomb
Well, Honeycomb, won’t you be my baby
Well, Honeycomb, be my own
What a darn good life
When you got a wife like Honeycomb
And the Lord said now that I made a bee
I’m gonna look all around for a green, green tree
And He made a little tree and I guess you heard
Oh, then well he made a little bird
And they waited all around till the end of Spring
Gettin’ every note that the birdie’d sing
And they put ’em all into one sweet tome
For my Honeycomb
Oh, Honeycomb, won’t you be my baby
Well, Honeycomb, be my own
Got a hank o’ hair and a piece o’ bone
And made a walkin’ talkin’ Honeycomb
Well, Honeycomb, won’t you be my baby
Well, Honeycomb, be my own
What a darn good life
When you got a wife like Honeycomb
And the Lord says now that I made a bird
I’m gonna look all round for a little ol’ word
That sounds about sweet like “turtledove”
And I guess I’m gonna call it “love”
And He roamed the world lookin’ everywhere
Gettin’ love from here, love from there
And He put it all in a little ol’ part
Of my baby’s heart
Oh, Honeycomb, won’t you be my baby
Well, Honeycomb, be my own
Got a hank o’ hair and a piece o’ bone
And made a walkin’ talkin’ Honeycomb
Well, Honeycomb, won’t you be my baby
Well, Honeycomb, be my own
What a darn good life
When you got a wife like Honeycomb