“Honey,” released in 1968, remains one of Bobby Goldsboro’s most enduring and controversial hits. Goldsboro, born in Marianna, Florida, was a singer-songwriter and musician known for his smooth vocals and often sentimental ballads. Prior to his solo success, he was a guitarist in Roy Orbison’s band. “Honey” became his signature song, catapulting him to international fame. While he enjoyed other charting singles like “Little Things” and “See the Funny Little Clown,” none reached the same level of cultural impact as “Honey.”
The song itself tells the story of a man reminiscing about his late wife, Honey, and their life together, filled with seemingly mundane, yet deeply cherished memories. From her clumsy nature and habit of bringing stray animals home, to the tragic accident that takes her life, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a loving and idyllic marriage cut short. The song’s narrative is simple, delivered with a raw emotionality that resonated deeply with a mass audience.
Upon its release, “Honey” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks and achieved similar success internationally, proving its cross-cultural appeal. However, the song was also met with considerable criticism. Some found its sentimentality cloying and overly dramatic, even accusing it of being emotionally manipulative. Critics often pointed to the simplistic lyrics and melodramatic delivery as reasons for their dislike.
Despite the critical backlash, “Honey” undeniably struck a chord with the public. Listeners connected with the song’s themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. For many, it became a deeply personal song, evoking strong emotions and prompting reflections on their own relationships and experiences. While opinions remain divided, the enduring popularity and cultural footprint of “Honey” solidifies its place as a memorable, albeit controversial, song in music history.