By the late '50s Bonnie was recording on the Mar-Vel label with Fuzzy and his band, the Sun Valley Playboys. She cut a well-received duet album with Fuzzy, her sometime boyfriend, on Tally Records, which would later be re-released on Capitol Records as "Just Between the Two of Us." In 1961, Bonnie saw Haggard singing for the first time at a Lefty Frizzell concert. At the time, Haggard was just a few months out of San Quentin prison for breaking and entering. By 1964 Fuzzy was managing Haggard and suggested that Bonnie and Haggard re-record "Just Between the Two of Us." Taking Fuzzy's advice paid off; the song hit the top of the country charts but not for long. It was replaced by "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers," Haggard's breakthrough single.
In 1965 Haggard signed with Capitol Records, married Bonnie, and signed the Strangers (including Bonnie) with a booking agency owned in part by Buck. Bonnie's marriage to Haggard lasted until 1978, but the two had already separated in 1975. Eventually Bonnie resumed touring with the Strangers in the late '70s and remarried for the final time to Fred McMillenher. She continued to tour regularly with Haggard and the Strangers. While Bonnie released half a dozen albums and numerous singles on Capitol Records in the mid- to late '60s, she remained satisfied singing backup as a member of the Strangers.
What Else Can I Do
Bonnie Owens Lyrics
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When she's trying hard to prove her love is true
I've given up the things you asked me to tell me darling what else can I do
Must I fall down on my knees and beg your mercy or cry until my eyes no longer see
When I give all I can give and my fate is left with you
Tell me darling what else can I do
[ steel ]
Must I fall down on my knees...
The song “What Else Can I Do” by Bonnie Owens is a poignant representation of a woman’s struggle to win the heart of a man. The song begins with the singer admitting that she has done everything in her power to prove her love to her partner, but still, things are not likely to work out. The lines “I’ve done everything a girl is supposed to do when she’s trying hard to prove her love is true, I’ve given up the things you asked me to, tell me darling what else can I do” are an indication of the desperation and frustration that she feels in trying to keep her relationship intact.
The next lines talk of her willingness to go to any extent just to win her partner’s affection. She asks if she needs to kneel down and beg for mercy or cry her eyes out until she cannot see anymore. These lines signify her willingness to do anything to save her relationship. Finally, the singer concedes that she has given everything and left her fate in her partner’s hands, and begs him to tell her what else she can do.
Overall, the song is a heartbreaking representation of the struggles faced by women in love. Despite doing everything in their power to prove their love, sometimes it is not enough, and they are left with no option but to ask their partners what they can do to keep the relationship alive.
Line by Line Meaning
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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poopstain565
Bonnie was a really great singer. I have a 33 1/3 of her. She could have been really great, but she was content to stand on the side line and help Merle Haggard make it big. Great one. CARL
Scott Weindegher
The great pair ever.
Julian Hazlett
I love her. I wish she could have gotten the recognition she deserved!
Roy Clary
She want get it just like old hank want be put. Back in the op
latokatn506
True country voice thanks Pat !!!!!!!
misterhonkytonk
I love her. She was real as rain
anthony belcher
Fabulous song 65
bazthehandyman
Crystal clear.
Roy Clary
She is as good as Patsy Cline she put's feeling in it like old hank . and that is good company .
DoniLaGringaLoca Goesch
Tans for all the awesome videos; i am a new #1 fan!