About the song
“Honey”, also known as “Honey (I Miss You)”, is a poignant ballad penned by Bobby Russell that resonated deeply with audiences upon its release in 1968. Originally produced by Russell with Bob Shane, a former member of The Kingston Trio, the song found its definitive voice through American singer Bobby Goldsboro, who included it on his album titled initially as “Pledge of Love”, later renamed after the song itself.
The song narrates a heart-wrenching tale of loss and reminiscence. It begins with the narrator reflecting on a tree in his garden, a mere twig when his beloved planted it, now towering as a testament to the passage of time. The poignant twist arrives in the third verse, revealing that the narrator’s wife had passed away, visited by angels one day.
Russell drew inspiration for “Honey” from a tree in his own yard, noticing its growth while contemplating the lyrics one night. This observation birthed the opening line, “See the tree, how big it’s grown …”. The song was initially recorded by Bob Shane, but it was Bobby Goldsboro’s rendition that captured the public’s sentiment. Despite initial reservations due to Shane’s version, Goldsboro and his producer Bob Montgomery recognized the potential in Russell’s simpler acoustic guitar rendition and decided to record it.
Recorded on January 30, 1968, with an arrangement by Don Tweedy, Goldsboro’s version of “Honey” swiftly climbed the charts. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks, making it Goldsboro’s most successful single. It also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and gained popularity internationally, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and spending weeks atop the Australian ARIA Charts.
The song’s success wasn’t just commercial; it was critically acclaimed as well. Nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1968 and winning Song of the Year from the Country Music Association, “Honey” solidified its place in music history. Despite some contemporary criticism for being overly sentimental or saccharine, its impact on listeners was undeniable, evidenced by its rapid sales and enduring popularity.
In conclusion, “Honey” remains a testament to Bobby Russell’s songwriting prowess and Bobby Goldsboro’s emotive delivery. Its ability to evoke profound emotions of love, loss, and nostalgia has ensured its place as a classic ballad that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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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