Some artists undergo reinventions. What Nathaniel Rateliff accomplishes on his first LP with the Night Sweats — transforming himself from folk troubadour to funky soul bandleader — is a revelation. Rateliff comes on like Van Morrison fronting Booker T. & the MG's, reviving the glory days of the Stax label.
A LITTLE HONEY
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
More than you'll ever, ever know
What keeps you waiting?
Let's take our time just moving slow
I'm so lonely, feeling heavy love
You're just so far from where I want you now
You speak so soft and low
Come on now, baby
You think that I don't know
I need some honey
Come on now, baby
What if I told you
That there's a fight on every corner
They'll keep you wavering
Until you've reached some modern low
It's not just lazy
There's just some things you're never told
It can't be this heavy love
We'll have to wear our fears so everyone
Can see it too
Come on now, baby
You speak so soft and low
Come on now, baby
You think that I don't know
I need some honey
Come on now, baby
I need you baby
I love you
Oh
The lyrics to Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats's song A Little Honey convey a sense of longing and desire for love and connection. In the opening lines, the singer expresses his need for his partner, emphasizing that he needs them more than they will ever know. He urges them to take their time and move slowly as they come together, suggesting a desire for a deeper and more meaningful connection, rather than a quick and superficial one.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Come on now, baby," as the singer pleads for his partner to reveal their true feelings and emotions. He suggests that they speak softly and low, indicating a need for honesty and vulnerability in their relationship. The phrase "I need some honey" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the sweetness and comfort that love can bring to a person's life.
The latter half of the song takes a slightly more ominous turn, with the singer warning of the dangers that lurk in the world and the trials and tribulations that can affect a relationship. He suggests that there is a fight on every corner and that people will try to distract and hinder them from reaching their goals. However, he maintains that love is worth fighting for and that they will have to wear their fears for all to see.
Overall, A Little Honey is a poignant and heartfelt song that expresses the complexity of love and relationships. It recognizes the challenges and obstacles that can arise, but ultimately emphasizes the importance of love and connection in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I need you baby
The singer expresses a strong need for their partner.
More than you'll ever, ever know
The depth of the singer's need for their partner is beyond their partner's understanding.
What keeps you waiting?
The singer is curious as to what is causing their partner to hesitate.
Let's take our time just moving slow
The singer wants to take their time with their partner and not rush anything.
I'm so lonely, feeling heavy love
The singer feels a sense of loneliness despite feeling intense love for their partner.
You're just so far from where I want you now
The singer's partner is physically distant and not where the singer wants them to be.
Come on now, baby
The singer urges their partner to take action and make a move.
You speak so soft and low
The singer is attracted to their partner's gentle voice.
You think that I don't know
The singer is aware of their partner's thoughts and feelings.
I need some honey
The singer desires affection and sweetness from their partner.
What if I told you
The singer proposes a hypothetical scenario to their partner.
That there's a fight on every corner
The singer believes that there are obstacles everywhere that can hinder their relationship.
They'll keep you wavering
The singer believes that these obstacles will cause their partner to become indecisive.
Until you've reached some modern low
The singer thinks that these obstacles can cause their partner to hit a low point.
It's not just lazy
The singer believes that their partner's hesitations are not just due to laziness.
There's just some things you're never told
The singer thinks that there are things that their partner has not disclosed to them.
It can't be this heavy love
The singer thinks that their love should not be a burden.
We'll have to wear our fears so everyone
The singer realizes that they and their partner will have to be brave and confront their fears publicly.
Can see it too
The singer wants others to understand their struggles and support them.
I love you
The singer expresses their love for their partner.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Nathaniel David Rateliff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bonscottrocks1728
I need you baby
More than you'll ever, ever know
What keeps you waiting?
Let's take our time just moving slow
I'm so lonely, feeling heavy love
You're just so far from where I want you now
Come on now, baby
You speak so soft and low
Come on now, baby
You think that I don't know
I need some honey
Come on now, baby
What if I told you
That there's a fight on every corner
They'll keep you wavering
Until you've reached some modern low
It's not just lazy
There's just some things you're never told
It can't be this heavy love
We'll have to wear our fears so everyone
Can see it too
Come on now, baby
You speak so soft and low
Come on now, baby
You think that I don't know
I need some honey
Come on now, baby
I need you baby
I love you
Oh
@mandascruggs2245
So this is a classic. Like it was always in my top five of the bands songs. Like Mac n cheese it goes down warm and yummy and comfortable like home. Cause it’s so familiar.
Yet it’s so amazing cause of that play with the beat! Like it’s slow but fast forward almost.
And the video is so sweet and fun.
Anyway. A classic from them.
May amazing bands of the future copy this like how we copy Marvin and Aretha. Cause it’s on that level.
@sodalicious24
These guys are on repeat in my house. Every song has soul. Every song is epic. Every song resonates. How? I need them to come back to Canada for concert please!
@sultana695
I fully concur!
@ryleighs9575
If they hit Toronto I'm SO THERE
@dodgeme4555
I concur as well and so does my dog.
@sharlenebuck7550
Last time I fell head over heels for a musician was when I discovered John Prine. They are in the same league. Wordsmiths to the bone. They keep me going and make me smile.
@Kagebushin01
If I ever did get married I would love to have this song played. I really encompasses what its like in a relationship
@EveryKneeShallBend
I love the rich tone of the organ, the honky tonk piano, the Memphis Horns-like Brass, the pleading vocals. oh my, what a great tune!
@marianovelayossansegundo2881
Aso so so funny!
@FaqueGoogle-wo6ip
God bless the B3
@jchristofferson3424
This is the kind of music I played in my coffee shop. I did drive thru only, but my toons were jamming loud enough for them to hear and this band always came up in conversation. Please keep this up I live for your music. You've gotten me through so many things. ❤️