About the song
“Honey”, also known as “Honey (I Miss You)”, is a poignant ballad penned by Bobby Russell that has left an indelible mark on the music landscape since its debut. Initially produced in collaboration with Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio, the song was first recorded by Shane before finding its definitive rendition with American singer Bobby Goldsboro in 1968. Featured prominently on his album titled “Pledge of Love”, later rebranded as “Honey”, the track skyrocketed to international acclaim, claiming the top spot in multiple countries, including a notable No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100.
At its core, “Honey” narrates a heart-wrenching tale of loss and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator reminiscing about moments shared with his beloved wife, starting with a tender memory of a tree she planted that began as “just a twig”. The song unfolds slowly, revealing the devastating truth in its third verse—that the wife has passed away, taken by angels. This revelation casts a retrospective light on the narrator’s memories, infusing them with a bittersweet poignancy.
The journey of “Honey” to becoming Goldsboro’s signature song was not without its twists. Initially skeptical of the song’s potential due to an overly produced earlier version, Goldsboro’s interest was piqued when he heard Russell’s simpler rendition accompanied only by a guitar. This stripped-down approach resonated deeply with him, prompting him to secure the song for himself despite reservations about competing with Shane’s imminent release.
Recorded on January 30, 1968, with an arrangement by Don Tweedy that Goldsboro credited for much of its success, “Honey” achieved remarkable accolades. It held the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks, solidifying its place in music history. Beyond the United States, the song ascended to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and topped charts in Australia, showcasing its universal appeal and emotional impact.
Over the years, “Honey” has continued to resonate with audiences, its tender melody and heartfelt lyrics ensuring its enduring popularity. Bobby Goldsboro’s rendition remains a testament to the timeless power of storytelling through music, capturing universal themes of love, loss, and memory that transcend generations. As a poignant ode to lost love, “Honey” remains a cherished classic, evoking nostalgia and melancholy with every note.
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Lyrics
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 twig
Then 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 cried
She 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 ago
And it would sure embarrass her
When I came in from workin’ late
‘Cause I would know
That she’d been sittin’ there and cryin’
Over some sad and silly late, late show
And honey, I miss you and I’m bein’ good
And I’d love to be with you if only I could
She 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 neck
I came home unexpectedly
And caught her cryin’ needlessly
In the middle of a day
And it was in the early spring
When flowers bloom and robins sing
She went away
And honey, I miss you and I’m bein’ good
And I’d love to be with you if only I could
One 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 name
Now my life’s an empty stage
Where honey lived and honey played
And love grew up
And a small cloud passes overhead
And cries down on the flower bed
That honey loved
And 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 and she got mad
The first day that she planted it
Was just a twig