Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) developed the style of… Read Full Bio ↴Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) developed the style of country music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for his home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as "the father of bluegrass."

In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.

When You Are Lonely
Bill Monroe Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh I'm thinking of you, little darling
On the day that we first met
And those words sweetheart that you told me
I'm sure I'll never forget

Oh, someday, sweetheart, when you're lonely
And have no one to care for you
Remember the heart you have broken

And the one that has loved you so true

You told me that you always would love me
That no one could ever come between
But it seems to me you've forgotten
All those things you told to me

I'll forget all those things that you told me
And try to start our life anew

But remember the heart you have broken
And the one that has loved you so true

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys’s song "When You Are Lonely" describe the feelings of a heartbroken lover who is thinking about his beloved. The song opens with the singer remembering the day they first met and the sweet words his beloved told him, which he will never forget. However, now the situation seems different as the singer highlights that his beloved has forgotten all the things she told him and has broken his heart.

The song reaches its climax with the singer telling his beloved that he will forget all the things she told him and try to start anew. However, he asks his lover to remember the heart she has broken and the one who has loved her so true in case she ever finds herself lonely with no one to care for her. Overall, the lyrics of the song express the sad and painful emotions of a broken-hearted lover, who still loves his beloved despite the heartbreak and wishes her well.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh I'm thinking of you, little darling
I can't stop thinking about you, my love

On the day that we first met
The moment we met is etched in my memory

And those words sweetheart that you told me
I remember every sweet thing you said to me

I'm sure I'll never forget
Those words will always stay with me

Oh, someday, sweetheart, when you're lonely
I know someday you'll feel alone, my love

And have no one to care for you
And no one to take care of you

Remember the heart you have broken
Think of the pain you caused me

And the one that has loved you so true
And how much I loved you sincerely

You told me that you always would love me
You promised to love me forever

That no one could ever come between
No one could ever tear us apart

But it seems to me you've forgotten
But now it seems like you've forgotten all of that