Julie Roberts (born February 1, 1979, in Lancaster, South Carolina) is an A… Read Full Bio ↴Julie Roberts (born February 1, 1979, in Lancaster, South Carolina) is an American country music singer. She is best known for her 2004 break-through hit, "Break Down Here" and her 2006 remake of Saving Jane's "Girl Next Door".

Roberts began performing country music as a child. When she was in junior high and high school, she toured with her family, playing at festivals in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. She also performed at area nursing homes (where she developed an appreciation for blues music); and worked at Carowinds (a theme park in Charlotte, North Carolina) and Dollywood.

A graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, Roberts began working for Mercury Records, later becoming assistant to label head Luke Lewis. During her tenure there, she began perfecting her singing skills and recorded a demo tape. Producer Brent Rowan liked what he heard and invited Lewis to hear the tape. Lewis liked what he heard, but it was only after he asked for the singer's identity that he learned it was Roberts.

Roberts was signed to Mercury Records, and her self-titled album was released in 2004.

A second album for Mercury, Men & Mascara, followed in 2006. This album produced two non-charting singles in its title track and a cover of Saving Jane's "Girl Next Door".

Her influences include Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell and Tanya Tucker.

Old Habit
Julie Roberts Lyrics

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My phone rings and it's you
I pick up, I always do
And I know what you're gonna do
How you been? it's been so long
Then you'll go on and on and on
I'm just an old habit you can't break

Like alcohol on your breath

Like a glowing cigarette
You ain't done with me yet
You can't stay away
Like all the lies that you said
Like all those nights in my bed
I'm just an old habit you can't break

It won't be long until you leave
And I'll fight back that part of me
That wants to beg you to stay
Are we lovers? Are we friends?
I think it's finally sinkin' in
I'm just an old habit you can't break

Like alcohol on your breath
Like a glowing cigarette
You ain't done with me yet
You can't stay away
Like all the lies that you said

Like all those nights in my bed
I'm just an old habit you can't break

Overall Meaning

The song "Old Habit" by Julie Roberts talks about a toxic relationship between the singer and someone she has a history with. The song is about the constant back-and-forth nature of this kind of relationship, where the other person keeps coming back, and the singer is unable to resist. Roberts sings about how the other person calls her often, and she always answers, even though she knows what they're going to do. The other person asks how she's been, and then proceeds to go on and on, reminding her of everything that has happened between them. She acknowledges that she's just an old habit that the other person can't break.

Roberts goes on to describe her relationship with the other person, comparing it to alcohol on their breath and a glowing cigarette. She's just an old habit that the other person can't seem to shake off, even though it's clear that she's just one of many bad habits they have. She admits that she wants the other person to stay, but knows that she can't beg them to because the relationship is toxic. Ultimately, Roberts realizes that she's just an old habit, and the other person can't break away from her.

Line by Line Meaning

My phone rings and it's you
I receive a phone call from you

I pick up, I always do
I answer the phone call, as I always do

And I know what you're gonna do
I am aware of what you are about to do

How you been? it's been so long
You ask me how I've been and acknowledge the length of time since we last spoke

Then you'll go on and on and on
You proceed to talk excessively

I'm just an old habit you can't break
I am a routine that you cannot abandon

Like alcohol on your breath
I am a reminder of the scent of alcohol on your breath

Like a glowing cigarette
I am a reminder of the burning sensation of a cigarette

You ain't done with me yet
You are not finished with me

You can't stay away
You are unable to avoid contacting me

Like all the lies that you said
I am a reminder of all the falsehoods you spoke