Will Oldham (born 24 December 1970, Louisville, Kentucky) is an American si… Read Full Bio ↴Will Oldham (born 24 December 1970, Louisville, Kentucky) is an American singer-songwriter, actor, and musician. His music is often (perhaps inappropriately) placed under the genre of "alt-country". Oldham has recorded under many names, including Palace, Palace Music, Palace Brothers, and Bonnie Billy. He often plays and records with other musicians, including David Pajo and his brothers Ned and Paul Oldham, but is generally the chief creator of the music. He has also been involved in musical projects and bands such as Amalgamated Sons of Rest, The Anomoanon, The Boxhead Ensemble, Tortoise, and The Sundowners as well as releasing his first solo album in 1993. Oldham has said that the Bonnie 'Prince' Billy moniker has many references. These include 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie, an 18th century Jacobite; Billy the Kid, the 19th century American outlaw also known as William Bonney; and the American singer Nat King Cole. He has also appeared in several films, such as the 1987 film Matewan and most recently in Old Joy (released in late 2006). He is also the photographer of the cover image of the slint album Spiderland.

Little Boy Blue 2
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

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Well, I thought I was so high above you
You were so good to me
Even though you knew I didn't love you
You were still good to me

Used to make you happy, to see you cry
You were so good to me and that's no lie
Used to call me 'Bonny, little boy blue'

Said, "Blow your heart, little boy blue"

Bonny, ooh
So good to me, oh yes you were
I remember, baby, when you cried all night long
I know now, darling, I was doin' you wrong

If I had a million dollars, give you every, every dime
Just to hear you call me Bonny one more time
You called me B-O-N-N-Y
B-O-N-N-Y, Bonny !
You called me Bonny
(B-O-N-N-Y) Used to sound so good
(B-O-N-N-Y) You don't know how much I miss you
(B-O-N-N-Y, B-O-N-N-Y)

(B-O-N-N-Y, B-O-N-N-Y)
(B-O-N-N-Y)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song Little Boy Blue 2 tell a story of regret for not reciprocating someone's love. The singer thought they were above their lover and didn't love them back, but the lover was still good and kind to them. The singer used to enjoy seeing their lover cry and even called them "little boy blue," but now they realize they were in the wrong. The singer wishes they could go back in time and make things right, and would give their lover all their money just to hear them call them "Bonny" one more time.

The lyrics convey a sense of guilt and remorse for not realizing the value of someone's love until it was too late. The use of the nickname "little boy blue" adds a layer of vulnerability and childishness to the singer, suggesting they were not ready to handle love responsibly. The repetition of the name "Bonny" at the end of the song heightens the nostalgia and longing for what could have been.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, I thought I was so high above you
I believed I was superior to you

You were so good to me
You treated me with kindness

Even though you knew I didn't love you
Despite knowing my feelings towards you were not genuine

You were still good to me
You continued to act kindly towards me

Used to make you happy, to see you cry
I found pleasure in your emotional pain

You were so good to me and that's no lie
Your kindness towards me was genuine

Used to call me 'Bonny, little boy blue'
You used to address me as 'Bonny, little boy blue'

Said, "Blow your heart, little boy blue"
Encouraged me to reveal my true emotions

So good to me, oh yes you were
You treated me with kindness

I remember, baby, when you cried all night long
I recall a time you were in emotional pain for an extended period

I know now, darling, I was doin' you wrong
I realize now that my actions towards you were harmful