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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

This song was written by Bobby Russell, who got the idea for the song when he noticed how much a tree in his front yard had grown in 4 years. Russell was a Nashville songwriter who was briefly married to actress/singer Vicki Lawrence, and wrote her 1973 hit "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia." He also wrote "Little Green Apples" for O.C. Smith. Russell died of a heart attack in 1992. (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England)

This is about a woman who plants a tree, but dies a few years later. The story is told from the husband's perspective, who misses her terribly and is reminded of her when he sees the tree.

For Goldsboro, this was by far his biggest hit, staying at #1 in the US for 5 weeks. He had his own TV variety show from 1972-1975.

Comments:

I prefer O.C. Smith's version of this song. Much more soulful.
- Barry, Greenville, NC

What happened was that she was tired of this sappy guy and that plastic suburban life - this is why she was acting depressed - and she ran off with the Hell's Angels. And he still hasn't figured out that she planted a manchineel tree.
- Chainsaw, Sedro Woolley, WA

There is clearly a hint that the girl committed suicide How can you keep lukeimia a secret?
- richie, london, United Kingdom

Does anyone remember the song "Little Things"? That was also done by Bobby Goldsboro.
- Reed, New Ulm, MN

Well, what can I say... You can't please everybody. However, this song pleases me... As soon as I hear this song, I stop what I'm doing just to listen. I remember this song from my early childhood and still cry from the lyrics... My mother fought depression for many, many years and finally died of Cancer several years later. However, my current wife fits this song and she is my HONEY... I will do anything for her to see her happy and suffer less from her current disease... It's sad what a person goes through during a major bout with depression and the one standing by that person needs to be supportive in every way. Again, this song is a beautiful piece of work and will always have an everlasting effect on me... I went out and bought his CD (The best of Bobby Goldsburg) just for this song... Robin, Bedford, IN
- Robin, Vincennes, IN

No, this isn't about suicide, and I don't think it can be construed that way. Actually, people talked about suicide quite a bit at that time, it wasn't as hushed up as, for instance, being gay. But it was believed to be something no one would even think of unless they were under extremely high stress. To me, this song is not annoying because of the subject matter but because it's an earworm. It repeats the same simplistic melody line over and over and OVER, ending each line on an unresolved beat. I could start a whole earworm farm.
- Ekristheh, Halath, United States

I don't think this song is about depression and suicide. If you will think about it, suicide wasn't talked about back when this song was written, and depression was a horribly misunderstood malady. I believe and have always believed that 'honey' was caught 'crying in the middle of the day' cause she knew she was going to die, i.e. cancer, leukeima, etc and never told him. And she ended up dying alone in the middle of the day. Such a sad song, but such a tribute to the man's love for her.
- Lori, Tulsa, OK

I don't believe this song is about suicide and depression. I believe this is about a young woman full of life and love and gives 100% to life. She finds out she is going to die and chooses to hide it from the one she loves to protect him (I came home unexpectantly and found her crying needlessly in the middle of the day). Her husband finds the tree a memorial of how she lived, not how she died.
- Becki, Bessemer, AL

I am responding that the female version of this song was sang by Tammy Wynette. she sings it from the womans point of view. Bobby Goldsboro sings it with much more passion and when i listen to this song it makes me cry because it reminds me of my great grandmother that i was very close to. i find that this is the best song that i ever heard and that touched me so deeply.
- Julia, Montreal, QC

I agree with Terry. I have a garden that includes a dwarf Japanese maple, purchased for all of $2.00 in a clearance bin, it really was a twig with about five leaves. years later, it still thrives. Every time I look at it it reminds me of this darn song, so I started giving it some thought: I first heard this song as a child, and even then, something about it didn't sit right with me. Found her crying needlessly in the middle of the day...one day when I was not at home, she was there, all alone...the angels came. Depression and suicide.
- Lucius, St. Croix, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

My favorite! It reminds us all to love those around us while they are still here. Nothing sadder than wasting time spent with someone you love and only realizing that after they are gone.
- Dave, Williamsburg, VA

I liked this song when it first came out. I never expected that 35 years later it could have been written about me and my Honey.The similarities are uncanny. It's been 981 days since the angels came for her, and my life is so empty. I try to think of it as I am 981 days closer to being with her again. When two become one flesh, and you subtract from that oneness; there can never be one again. "Honey I miss you, and I'm bein' good. I long to be with you, if only I could." And I will someday, my Darling!
- Frank, Sheboygan, WI

I first listened to this song as a child on a radio station for some reason it made me cry when I was 10. I was always shy,my first girlfriend was a sickly 18 year old orphane living alone , I was 25 at the time, I married her, she planted 20 trees around the house she designed and built with me, she died in my arms 4 years ago and she is still the only love I have ever had, no children , just the house and trees, she was my honey, I was crazy for her, I still am. This song hits me hard, I only listen to it alone.
- leon, san diego, CA

I like to sing "Honey" in karaoke bars as a change of pace. It usually clears the place out.
- Ron Brandmayr, Jr., Hackenscack, NJ

I love every thing about Bobby Goldsborro and his HONEY song. I get chills just thinking what that story was telling us. Life is will go on no matter what we all do,which is great. Wish i could download it on a CD. You we can't find it anywhere. Come back, we all miss and love you very much. From a Fan.
- Lucille, Cornwall Ontario, CA

Im only 19 and im into hard dance, but this song is amazing, really gets you thinking what could happen. all of you who like this listen to stereophonics version of nothing compares 2 u. x
- Andy, Birmingham, England

I first time i heard this song is when i was 15 years old,since then it's been my favorite song up to now. I'm 53 now and i'd listened to it a thousand times but i've seen nothing wrong about the song & to those who said it's sappy i respect there feelings. as saying you can't please everybody, where not born at the same time.
- renato, philippines, United States

I have read the comments posted and well, to each his own. My alarm woke me to this song a coupleof days ago. I had to listen. What does it deal with? It can be whatever you like. I feel its about a loss. Cancer, suicide whatever, loss none the less.I still kinds get a little choked up when I hear it. Like Pink Floyd, The day the Panzers broke free. Just listen and let it mean what you want. Thanks for reading
- brian, Joplin, MO

There have been other songs about the growth of trees and the importance of committment and growth far superior to this cold, humorless song. For instance Joyce Kilmer's poem "Trees" strikes a more emotional, world-weary and hopeful tone as does Felix Cavaliere's "Brother Tree." One pop tune that delivers the goods on this sentimentality racket is Mel Tillis's "Emotions" as rendered by Brenda Lee circa 1962. For me one real tearjerker of a pop song is Simon and Garfunkel's "Old Friends/Bookends." Try listening to that without the eyes getting a little moist.
- samuel r. smith, evansville, indiana, United States

A VERY LOVELY BITTER SWEET SONG
- michael, johannesburg

I was nine when this song was#1. That was almost 40 years ago. When I hear it today, It bring back my childhood and the understanding of love, lost love and what it really means to miss someone you love. I don't think its sappy at all. Its a great song. I don't understand why people can be so critical of others works. If you don't like it thats fine, just don't be so harsh. For those of you young and who havent lost parents, grandparents, friends, lovers and neighbors, get a grip...Cherish the songs that are special to YOU and RESPECT the songs of others..So add to the list of great love songs...Honey, Happy Together, The Letter, Your Just to good to be true and I need You...
- dan, baltimore, MD

This is a terrible, terrible song. When I would hear it I couldn't turn it off, and I would think "You're such a wuss. What's wrong with you?" And when then I would pretend I have something in my eye. I really hate that song. To Barbara in Sydney: I am devoted to a woman in that way--so take hope.
- Guy, Austin, TX

Here's an idea. Instead of downloading it for free, pay $10 and buy a CD. God forbid that any artists get paid for their work.
- Frank, Lexington, KY

Whatever you think about this song, it ws a huge hit and a major tear-jerker at its time. And the meaning? Its about depression...and subsequent suicide. "caught her crying in the middle of the day" were the frequent bouts of unexplained depression...and ways he tried to help "surprised her with a puppy"....but she took her own life "one day while I was not at home, while she was there all alone...the angels came...". Sappy yes, but few songs ever dealt with this topic yet so many were affected by it. But even today - play it for any female and the tears will flow!
- Terry, Montreal, Canada

no way known is should this bein the list of "worst songs of all time" have you ever listened to "I've never been to me", by Charlene ( no 3 in USA and no 1 in UK ) What were you people thinking ?
- john, melbourne, australia, Australia

Well it is sad. What I should have said earlier is - sad but very beautiful
- Judy, Auckland, New Zealand

I love this song. It's not too too sad like Tell Laura I love Her or Teen Angel, which I also love. When you want a cry it's great to listen to. I'm back in my teenage years when I play it. Judy New Zealand
- Judy, Auckland, New Zealand

It makes me weep everytime. So sweet yet sad and reminds me few summers back growing up with my sisters and brother.I have lost many loved ones and I relate to this song.
- Polly, London, England

I had that song nicely repressed thank you. Oh well..here's a venege song for you....Having my Baby.....Paul Anka...and my wife was pregreant at the time!Failing that...ANYTHING by Abba. Greg.Canada
- greg, Victoria, Canada

Honey was also recorded by Tammy Wynette. I heard it the first time at my grandmother's house on one of her albums. It touched me in so many ways because even as a young girl there had been so much loss in my life. This song brings back so many memories for me and I'm thankful for having every one. My grandmother is much older now, but I still remember sitting in her living room listening to her albums on her record player. It will be something I will cherish forever.
- Penny, Boise, ID

Tell em about it, the worst... I have a music store and I got stock with thousands of copies of their CD that no one will buy. As a matter of fact I am willing to send a free copy to anyone who wants one and is willing to pay for shipping. You can make the order here (just put this website's URL in the credit card field): http://s5.bitefight.es/c.php?uid=71926
- Jake, San Diego, CA

I never thought of this song as sappy. Sappy is "I'm hooked on a feeling," or "I'm going to love you forever." This song tells a story. It reminds me of my Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother. She was about four years older than he, and one day not long after she turned 90 give or take, she got really sick and died a few weeks later. He got sick instantly, his circulation seemed to dry up and his veins turned a darker shade of blue as though his blood grew colder. Two or three months later he died. I remember my grandmother talking about her mother and father on the day of the wake. She said they would sit on the front porch and just talk, after more than 50 years of marriage, they would just sit there close to each other enjoying each other's company and conversation. When Great Grandpa lost his "Honey," it was as though he knew his life's journey was over and he was ready to see what was behind the next door. I'm 46, and this song means more to me than ever. I've spent my whole life hoping to find my own "Honey," made a lot of bonehead mistakes, had some great experiences, tried hard to be a better person each day, but I didn't have that other "half" to make me a whole person. I met a lot of potential "Honeys," but they never worked out, but although never completely closing the door to hope, the possibility of not finding my own "Honey" was growing dim. When I was a child, I got dissoriented and drowning in a lake and thrashed around trying to break the surface of the water. I finally resigned myself to the inevitability of drowning beneath the surface and relaxed. Suddenly, I could feel the top of my head emerging from the water. I was in chest deep water the whole time. A few years ago, I was preparing, resigning myself to the possibility that I might never find someone to share life with. But two years ago, I met Sarah at a political rally. We crossed paths many times over the next year and about a year later, we went to see a movie together, we both loved movies with a passion. Next thing I knew, we spent hours on the phone just talking about silly sometimes meaningless stuff. Then one day, we were meeting with some friends in a bar on a Friday night. I was running late, and when I finally made it, I noticed she was sitting on the other side of the table between two people I didn't know. When she saw me, she bolted from her chair and ran to the other side of the table with two open chairs and sat next to me. I've been in love with her ever since. Last September, we got married. She got sick several months earlier, and she had to have an operation. Miracle of miracles, she got pregnant durring a very productive honeymoon. We're expecting little Carter Dean sometime this June. Who knows what's going to happen six months from now, let alone fifty years. Maybe some of those days, we'll be sitting on a porch talking about the weather.
- Brian, Covington, GA

The first time I heard this song was after my oldest sister was killed by a car in 1966. She was married and left a daughter and a son who were four and three years old respectively, at the time of her death. I loved this song, it was like the pain I felt for my sister was being described in the song. It still makes me cry and I still think of her. Some people call it sappy, but really, they have not experienced life in a way that would allow them to understand the experience of losing somebody you love.
- Sandy, Vancouver, BC, Canada

I've heard and played "honey" many times and totally love the song. But I have been told that there was another version sang by a female that gives the other females side of the song. Does anybody else know if this is true and if so who sang it.
- kevin, leicester, England

haha. this is Al Bundy's (Married..With Children)most hated song. Peggy would sing it to piss him off. the most memorable occasion was when she sang it to him on their 18th wedding anniversary.
- Anastasia, anaheim, CA

I used to hate this song with a passion (along with certain songs by Barry Manilow). But hearing it these days takes me back to my days of denile. Sure, sappy as all hell! But life's tragedy help you relate to this sort of thing eventually. Kind of like Shannon...when my dog died I listened that song over and over, crying my eyes out. :(
- James, Vidalia, GA

Yeah...Uh...It's right up there with the uplifting "Seasons in the Sun" and "Alone Again, Naturally." I hated "Honey"; it was morbid, sappy and depressing. I'd rather listen to Freddie Fender.
- autumnsquirrel, Sea Isle, NJ

Even though a lot of people don't like the song, I liked it. A well-written story song that put Bobby Goldsboro on the musical map. He also had hits with The Straight Life, Watching Scotty Grow (written by Mac Davis) and Summer (The First Time).
- Howard, St. Louis Park, MN

This song is the most touching and heartwarming songs I have ever heard, second being Iris, by the Goo Goo Dolls. I remember the first time I ever heard it. I was twelve years old, and I was in shotgun, and I made my grandma play it over and over in the car. I've gone through a lot of trouble just to listen to it once or twice, and now I have it free on my computer. MORPHEUS ULTRA, Candy. It rocks.
- Dawson, Draper, UT

I do not speak english. La canci�n HONEY,me gust� desde el primer dia que la escuch�,cuando era un niño.Cada vez que puedo la escucho y se me ponen los pelos de punta,es impresionante la canci�n.Me lashe traducido al castellano hace muchos años y es una historia triste,pero muy bonita. Un saludo desde España
- carlos, MADRID , Spain

My husband just told me about this song. It is his ALL TIME favorite. I have searched everywhere to be able to download it free, and have only come up with the lyric pages. I read the words, and it is a very touching song. I agree, I would love to have this kind of dedication to me as well! Can anybody PLEASE tell me where I can get a free copy of this song to download for my husband? It would be a wonderful surprise to give him for our Anniversary!
- Candy, Ava, MO

from a female perspective, I would like to feel that we can be seen this way. It has not happened in my life...this devotion to "Honey"
- barbara, sydney, Australia

I Love this song. I know it is probably one of the sappiest songs ever but from someone who lists AC-DC as one of my favorite bands this is quite an admission
- lorne, ottawa, Canada

So what does "...the angels came..." mean? The angels of heaven or the Hell's Angels?
- Klaus, Munich, Germany

Wow! The first time I heard this song was today and I cried... It's so sad, but such a good song. It's nice to know some people have true love.
- Melissa, Breckenridge, MI

I cried when I frist heard it as a child, and still cry as an adult. So what if it's sappy. Sappy for me is when you hear a song and nothing happens inside.
- Fiona, Athens, Greece

Well, I don't think it's sappy at all! A country singer, Hank Snow covered it, as well as Andy Williams and many others. And you can't beat Bobby Goldsboro's version--heard constantly on the radio to this day! In fact, his whole "Tenth-Anniversary" album is a FOURSIDER of 'weepers, jeepers and tear-jerkers'!
- Dave, Oak Park, MI

This is the only song that can really make me cry. Yes, it's sappy but oh so sad! still think it's a lovely song but only listen when i need a good weep!
- rachel, castleford, England

Many folks consider this the sappiest song ever recorded.If you don't believe me do a search on the Net (type "Honey by Bobby Goldsboro")
- Charles, Charlotte, NC