Wayne Osmond, original member of family band The Osmonds, white America's answer to the Jackson 5 – obituary

About the Song

“Darlin'” by The Osmonds is a tender ballad that showcases the group’s softer side and their ability to deliver heartfelt performances. Released in 1973 as part of their concept album The Plan, this song stands out for its sincere lyrics and gentle melody, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst the album’s broader themes of spirituality and purpose.

While The Osmonds were known for their energetic pop hits and catchy tunes, “Darlin'” reveals a different facet of their musicality. It’s a song that focuses on the simple yet profound emotion of love, expressing deep affection and commitment in a direct and honest way. This sincerity is a key element of the song’s appeal, allowing listeners to connect with the emotions being conveyed on a personal level.

The lyrics of “Darlin'” are straightforward and heartfelt, expressing deep love and devotion to a significant other. The song speaks of finding a missing piece in another person, of understanding oneself better through their love, and of a commitment that extends beyond earthly bounds. This theme of eternal love fits well within the context of The Plan, which explores spiritual themes and the search for meaning in life.

Musically, “Darlin'” is a gentle and melodic ballad. The arrangement is relatively simple, with a focus on acoustic instruments and soft harmonies. This understated approach allows the lyrics and the vocal performances to take center stage, creating an intimate and emotional listening experience.

The vocal performances on “Darlin'” are particularly noteworthy. While the song features the group’s signature harmonies, it’s Merrill Osmond’s lead vocal that truly shines. He delivers the lyrics with a tenderness and sincerity that is both captivating and moving. His voice conveys the deep emotion of the song, drawing the listener into the intimate world of the lyrics.

As part of The Plan album, “Darlin'” contributes to the album’s overall exploration of spiritual themes and the search for meaning. While the album features a variety of musical styles, “Darlin'” provides a moment of quiet reflection, emphasizing the importance of love and connection in the broader context of life and spirituality.

In conclusion, “Darlin'” by The Osmonds is a beautiful and heartfelt ballad that showcases the group’s versatility and their ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. It’s a song about deep love and devotion, delivered with sincerity and tenderness. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring appeal of The Osmonds and their ability to create music that resonates with the human experience. It is a beautiful example of their ability to create heartfelt and moving music.
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Lyrics: Darlin’

Darlin’, I look into your eyes
And see what words could never tell
Darlin’, you’ve made me understand
The me, I thought I knew so well

Like an angel sent from up above
You came and touched my life with love
Oh, Darlin’, I’d love to make you mine, I would

Darlin’, each time I look at you
I see a missing part of me
Darlin’, if you will walk with me
We’ll step toward eternity

And when the world is finally through
I’ll still be ever loving you
Oh, Darlin’, there is no end if I’m with you
Oh, Darlin’, there’s really nothing we can’t do
With you…

You Missed

For Vince Gill, the memory of singing with Dolly Parton came down to their final note together at the 1995 CMA Awards. Thirty-one years later, on the day she died, he shared that performance again. “We are all crushed here at our house,” he wrote. He called the closing note of their duet one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard. Their recording of “I Will Always Love You” began with Dolly’s album *Something Special*. That summer, she revisited three of her classics, including the farewell she had written for Porter Wagoner in 1973. It had already topped the country chart twice in her own voice, and Whitney Houston’s 1992 recording had brought it to listeners worldwide. For this version, Dolly invited Vince to join her. They performed it on the Grand Ole Opry on August 26, 1995, during a TNN broadcast. Radio programmers began playing the duet before Columbia officially issued it as a single. That unsolicited airplay carried it onto Billboard’s country chart at No. 53. On October 4, they sang it again at the CMA Awards. Vince, then 38, was hosting the broadcast at the Grand Ole Opry House. He stepped away from those duties to sing beside the woman who had written the song when he was sixteen. As the performance ended, their voices met on one sustained note. Decades later, that was the moment he singled out. Released as a single that November, the duet reached No. 15, received a Grammy nomination and won the 1996 CMA award for Vocal Event of the Year. But Vince’s remembrance centered on what he had heard standing beside her. Dolly died in Nashville on August 25, 2026, at 80, after a brief battle with cancer. Two days later, Vince appeared at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City. He told the audience how deeply his family was hurting, then began “I Will Always Love You.” This time, he sang it alone. Fan footage captured him struggling with his emotions throughout the performance. When he stepped back to compose himself, people in the audience carried the words. Musicians behind him wiped their eyes. He reached the closing note without Dolly’s voice beside his. After finishing, he moved away from the microphone, placed a hand over his chest and lowered his head.