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…

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Long before he ever teamed up with Kix Brooks, a young Ronnie Dunn found himself torn between two completely opposite worlds, pulled by a father who lived the honky-tonk life and a mother rooted firmly in the church. Eager to follow a path toward ministry, Dunn enrolled at Abilene Christian College in Texas, fully intending to become a preacher. When the sun went down, however, a very different reality took over. Dunn started slipping out to sing in local honky-tonks around Abilene, discovering an electric connection with crowds that a lecture hall simply couldn’t match. It wasn’t long before the college administration caught wind of his nocturnal habits. Summoned to the dean’s office, Dunn was hit with an ultimatum: abandon the honky-tonk stage or leave school behind. He chose the music. Without any guarantee of future success waiting for him outside, Dunn relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, grinding away on the nightclub circuit for years. He fronted the house band at Duke’s Country during the height of the Urban Cowboy craze and cut a few traditional singles for the independent Churchill label, though national stardom remained stubbornly out of reach. There were plenty of nights he questioned whether walking away from his education meant trading a pulpit for a gas station pump. Everything changed in 1988 when he clinched a win at the Marlboro Talent Search, providing the ticket he and his wife needed to finally move to Nashville. Producer Scott Hendricks worked on his demos, and Arista Nashville chief Tim DuBois saw an entirely different destiny, deciding to pair Dunn up with a struggling Louisiana songwriter named Kix Brooks. Neither man had ever dreamed of sharing a microphone, but the chemistry was instant. Their 1989 debut album, Brand New Man, dropped four consecutive No. 1 singles, setting off an legendary run that yielded forty-one Top 10 country hits, twenty chart-toppers, and the crown as country music’s best-selling duo. Years later, Dunn circled right back to the fork in the road that defined his youth. On his 2022 solo project, 100 Proof Neon, he penned “The Road to Abilene,” reflecting on the strict Texas college, the neon-lit bars, and the kid who packed up his bags to chase a six-string dream. By then, he no longer had to choose between the sacred and the secular; the deep gospel soul lived permanently in his voice, and the rough honky-tonks had taught him exactly how to wield it.