The Meaning Behind The Song: Honey by Bobby Goldsboro
Bobby Goldsboro’s 1968 hit song “Honey” remains one of the most iconic love songs of all time. The song’s beautiful lyrics, accompanied by a simple melody, have resonated with listeners for decades. At its core, “Honey” is a tribute to true love and the profound impact it can have on our lives.
The Story behind the Song
Bobby Goldsboro wrote “Honey” in memory of his friend’s wife, who had passed away. According to Goldsboro, the song was inspired by a dream he had in which his friend’s wife appeared to him and said, “Take good care of John.”
Goldsboro’s friend had recently lost his wife to cancer, and the grief he felt was palpable. In writing “Honey,” Goldsboro aimed to capture the raw emotion that comes with losing someone you love deeply.
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics perfectly capture the pain that one feels when losing someone they love. “See the tree, how big it’s grown,” begins the song. “But friend, it hasn’t been too long, it wasn’t big.”
These opening lyrics set the tone for the rest of the song. Goldsboro sings about how his love for Honey grew over time, just like the tree that she used to sit under. He laments that he never had the chance to say goodbye to her before she passed away: “Didn’t we, honey? / We had so many dreams / Held so many schemes / For you.”
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, with Goldsboro singing, “But all the bees are still buzzing in the tree / Would you still be here / If we never had our fears / Don’t go, honey.”
It’s a powerful reminder that even though someone we love may be gone, their memory lives on. It’s a testament to the strength of love and its ability to transcend even death.
The Impact of the Song
“Honey” was an immediate hit upon its release in 1968. The song held the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks and went on to win a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance, Male.
The song quickly became an anthem for anyone who had ever lost someone they loved. The powerful lyrics and simple melody touched the hearts of millions and brought comfort to those who were grieving.
In the decades since its release, “Honey” has been covered by countless artists and has remained a beloved song among audiences of all ages. Its message of enduring love and the power of memories has resonated with many people, cementing its status as a classic love song.
The Legacy of “Honey”
Few songs have had the lasting impact that “Honey” has had on popular culture. Its legacy is felt not only in the countless covers and adaptations made over the years but also in the way it continues to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
The song’s message of love, loss, and the power of memories has stood the test of time. It has become an anthem for anyone who has ever loved deeply, lost someone they loved, or simply longed for the comfort of memories.
In conclusion, Bobby Goldsboro’s “Honey” is a timeless classic that will continue to touch the hearts of millions for generations to come. Its message of love and the power of memories is as relevant today as it was when it was first released over 50 years ago. For anyone who has ever loved and lost, “Honey” continues to be a comforting reminder that true love never truly dies.
