Cook's West Virginia-born mother played guitar and mandolin and sang on local radio shows. Her father, a Georgia native, also performed country music and served jail time for running moonshine. Upon his release, he and Elizabeth's mother played in local bands together, eventually marrying. Elizabeth, born in 1972, moved to Nashville in her twenties and quickly got a publishing deal. Demos recorded between 1997 and 2000 comprised her independently released debut album, "The Blue Album", which showcased her formidable songwriting ability and featured such well-known Music City musicians as Tim Carroll, Kenny Vaughan, and Rick Schell.
She made her major label debut in 2002 with "Hey Y'All". But following a corporate re-structuring that left the album virtually abandoned and stagnant on sales, Elizabeth fought back with her 2005 independent release "This Side Of The Moon", which received positive reviews.
Her album "Balls" was released May 2007. It was been her most successful album to date, thanks to glowing press reviews and significant video play for the song "Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman."
Her 2010 album Welder features appearances by an all-star roster of guests including Dwight Yoakam, Crowell and Buddy Miller, and continued her increasing popularity becoming her highest charting album in the U.S.
Her album "Gospel Plow" was released June 2012.
Cook hosts the morning radio show "Elizabeth Cook's Apron Strings" on the Sirius XM radio station Outlaw Country on Channel 60. The show airs weekdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM (Eastern Time). The show format is a mix of Americana, Outlaw, and Alt Country.
In 2016, Cook released her sixth studio album Exodus of Venus.
Official Site
Bones
Elizabeth Cook Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah, ah, ah, ah
I wear your bones around my neck
I am the keeper of the flame
As it's true, I've been a wreck
But I love you just the same
Tonight, I'll play another show
Then I'll do a double-check
I wear your bones around my neck
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Diggy liggy la and diggy liggy lo
Wonder if they're still a go
If they take the time to dance
A flash in the underpants
Can't hear the wind til it moves trees, ugh
Here are our nominees
With their heart attack in tow
Diggy liggy la, diggy liggy lo
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Let's take time to recognize
All the very best goodbyes
How they paved a solemn path
In their brutal aftermath
Listen for the rattlesnake
Hear that weeping willow ache
There's no slowing down the skies
Let's take time to recognize
Ah, ah, ah, ah
I wear your bones around my neck
I am the keeper of the flame
As it's true I've been a wreck
But I love you just the same
Tonight, I'll play another show
I'll talk on the radio
Then I'll do a double-check
I wear your bones around my neck
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
In "Bones" by Elizabeth Cook, the lyrics convey a sense of devotion and emotional burden towards a loved one. The repeated lines "I wear your bones around my neck" symbolize a deep connection and commitment to the person being referred to. It metaphorically suggests that the weight of their presence and influence is carried with them at all times.
The singer describes themselves as the "keeper of the flame," implying that they are responsible for preserving the passion and intensity in their relationship. Despite admitting to being a "wreck," they still love their partner unconditionally. This illustrates the enduring nature of their affection and their willingness to embrace the ups and downs that come with it.
The mention of playing another show and feeling both high and low indicates the volatile nature of the singer's emotions. This suggests a connection between their personal life and their public persona, with the stage becoming a cathartic outlet for their feelings. The line "Then I'll do a double-check" implies a need for reassurance and validation, possibly seeking confirmation of their partner's love.
In the next section, the lyrics take on a more abstract and poetic tone. The lines "Diggy liggy la and diggy liggy lo" seem like nonsensical phrases but contribute to the overall theme of uncertainty and questioning. The reference to dancing and flashing underpants suggests a reminder of frivolity and spontaneity even in the midst of serious matters.
The subsequent lines urge the listeners to recognize the significance of goodbyes and acknowledge the impact they have on our lives. This presents a contemplative and reflective viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and honoring personal growth and the aftermath of difficult experiences. The imagery of the rattlesnake and weeping willow denotes pain and sadness, capturing the emotional depth of these moments.
In the final chorus, the lyrics revisit the earlier themes of devotion and emotional struggle. The singer reiterates their commitment to carrying their loved one's influence with them, embracing the responsibility of being the "keeper of the flame." Again, the mention of playing another show and talking on the radio suggests a connection between their personal and public life, highlighting the intertwined nature of their experiences.
Overall, "Bones" portrays a complex and profound relationship, with the singer expressing both the challenges and unwavering love they experience. The lyrics delve into the emotions and responsibilities that come with carrying the weight of someone's impact, while also contemplating the significance of goodbyes and personal growth. Despite the ups and downs, the song conveys a sense of dedication and devotion to the person being addressed.
Line by Line Meaning
I wear your bones around my neck
I carry the weight and burden of our past relationship with me at all times
I am the keeper of the flame
I am responsible for holding onto the passion and love we once shared
As it's true, I've been a wreck
Admittedly, I have been emotionally distraught and unstable
But I love you just the same
Despite the challenges and difficulties, my love for you remains unchanged
Tonight, I'll play another show
I will perform on stage yet again
I'll feel high then I'll feel low
My emotions will fluctuate between extreme elation and deep sadness
Then I'll do a double-check
I will take extra precautions and measures
Diggy liggy la and diggy liggy lo
Engaging in carefree and lighthearted activities
Wonder if they're still a go
Questioning if those activities are still enjoyable and viable options
If they take the time to dance
Determining if people are willing to let loose and enjoy themselves
A flash in the underpants
A momentary burst of excitement or thrill
Can't hear the wind til it moves trees, ugh
Sometimes we fail to notice subtle signs and changes until they have significant impact
Here are our nominees
Here are the contenders or choices we have
With their heart attack in tow
With their emotional baggage or unresolved issues accompanying them
Let's take time to recognize
We should acknowledge and appreciate
All the very best goodbyes
The most heartfelt and meaningful farewells
How they paved a solemn path
How those goodbyes have left a lasting and serious impact
In their brutal aftermath
In the harsh and challenging consequences that follow
Listen for the rattlesnake
Pay attention for warning signs or dangerous situations
Hear that weeping willow ache
Observe the deep emotional pain and sadness
There's no slowing down the skies
We cannot stop or control the passage of time
Let's take time to recognize
Again, we should acknowledge and appreciate
I'll talk on the radio
I will be heard and express myself through broadcasting
Then I'll do a double-check
I will verify and confirm things once more
I wear your bones around my neck
Once more, I carry the weight and burden of our past relationship with me
Lyrics ยฉ Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Elizabeth Yvonne Cook
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Boo Ray
Omg itโs amazing EC!!! Youโre blazing a trail. Great song and sounds incredible!
Kate X
LOVE this Elizabeth! Great song, video, location, costumes etc....
Steve Miller
Elizabeth Cook can stand alone; her efforts are treasure. I'd pay big bucks for a Elizabeth Cook / Sturgill Simpson concert. The artistic and musical conceptualization blend of the two would surpass anything that the so-called music industry forces down our throats. Please make it happen.
Barry Titone
Maybe with Blackberry Smoke too!
Steve Miller
@Elizabeth Cook๐ถ It certainly would be an honor ma'am. Keep making this world better with your music. V/r, Steve Miller
Diane Thornhill
COVID destroyed my plans to see Sturgill and Tyler Childers this year.
Diane Thornhill
I agree Steve Miller.
wes adkins
God i love this lady. Such a badass lady with a voice from heaven. She is up there with Tom Petty cool.
wes adkins
@Mumford Man many times she is that cool
Mumford Man
@wes adkins have u?