About the Song
“Honey”, a tender ballad by Bobby Goldsboro, transcends the boundaries of a simple pop song. Released in 1968, it has become a timeless classic, resonating with listeners across generations due to its poignant portrayal of love, loss, and cherished memories.
Goldsboro, known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt storytelling, delivers a captivating performance in “Honey”. The song opens with a seemingly mundane observation – “See the tree, how big it’s grown” – but this quickly transforms into a powerful metaphor for the passage of time and the enduring nature of love.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a loving relationship. We hear about Honey’s childlike wonder, her clumsiness, and her unwavering devotion. Goldsboro’s affectionate portrayal creates a strong sense of intimacy, allowing the listener to connect with the couple’s bond.
The song takes a poignant turn as it delves into moments of vulnerability. We learn about Honey’s anxieties, her tears over a silly late-night show, and a car accident that leaves her shaken. Goldsboro’s gentle reassurance – “Though I pretended hard to be / Guess you could say she saw through me and hugged my neck” – showcases the depth of their connection.
The inevitable blow arrives with the line, “One day while I was not at home / While she was there and all alone the angels came.” The simplicity of the statement carries immense weight, leaving the listener to contemplate the suddenness of loss.
“Honey” is a beautiful yet bittersweet ballad. The melody, with its melancholic yet hopeful undertones, perfectly complements the lyrics. The recurring refrain, “Honey, I miss you and I’m being good / And I’d love to be with you if only I could,” becomes a heart-wrenching plea, echoing the narrator’s longing.
Goldsboro’s masterpiece transcends the realm of pop music, offering a relatable and timeless portrayal of grief. “Honey” reminds us to cherish the moments we have with loved ones and the profound impact they leave on our lives, even after they’re gone. It’s a song that lingers long after the last note fades, a testament to the enduring power of love and memory.
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Lyrics: Honey
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 twigThen 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 criedShe 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 agoAnd it would sure embarrass her
When I came in from workin’ late ’cause I would know
That she’d been sittin there an’ cryin’
Over some sad and silly late, late showAnd Honey, I miss you
And I’m bein’ good
And I’d love to be with you
If only I couldShe 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 neckI came home unexpectedly
And caught her cryin’ needlessly in the middle of the day
And it was in the early spring
When flowers bloom and robins sing, she went awayAnd Honey, I miss you
And I’m bein’ good
And I’d love to be with you
If only I couldOne 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 nameNow my life’s an empty stage
Where Honey lived, and Honey played and love grew up
And a small cloud passes over head
And cries down on the flower bed that Honey lovedAnd 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, she got mad
The first day that she planted it, was just a twig