Drawing inspiration from their roots in classic rock and indie pop, Public released their first EP titled "Red" in 2012, quickly establishing a strong local fanbase in Cincinnati. Their energetic performances and infectious sound caught the attention of renowned acts like Walk the Moon, Twenty One Pilots, and Young the Giant, leading to opportunities for the band to support these artists on tour. Public also made appearances at notable festivals including Forecastle, Bunbury, CMJ, and SXSW, exposing them to diverse crowds and expanding their reach.
Following their second EP release, "Let's Make It," and a national tour supporting Walk the Moon, Public ventured to Los Angeles, California, to collaborate with producer Eric Palmquist (known for his work with Mars Volta and Bad Suns). Immersed in a new creative environment and drawing from their experiences on the road, the band embraced alternative and pop influences, resulting in the creation of their 2015 single, "Heartbeating." The release coincided with their national tour alongside Oh Honey and received favorable recognition from respected blogs such as Kings of A&R and Good Music All Day, which praised Public's harmonies and captivating indie style.
In 2019, Public experienced a breakthrough with their single "Make You Mine." Originally self-released in 2015, the song gained significant traction after going viral on TikTok, accumulating over 2.5 million TikTok videos featuring the track. The band's success on the platform and their partnership with Jonas Group Entertainment, headed by Kevin Jonas Sr., caught the attention of major record labels. In July 2019, Public signed with Island Records.
Following their signing, Public released a new version of "Make You Mine" that was mixed by Grammy Award winners Chris Lord-Alge and mastered by Emily Lazar. The track became a sensation on TikTok, reaching the number four spot on the trending charts and accumulating over 7 million streams per week. To date, "Make You Mine" has garnered over 260 million streams. On May 8, the group released their new single "Honey in the Summer," a breezy laid-back love song co-written and produced by John Fields.
Honeybee
Public Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You got me shaking like a summer tree.
You said the wind don't blow for you and me,
but it's fine cause you're my honeybee.
Let me breathe,
Your heart is choking me and I can't see.
You said the wind don't blow for you and me,
I'm fine, my honeybee.
Everything's heavy if you're lifting with your eyelashes.
Hot flashes, coming when we see the dark patches of mind.
It's fine, I'm FINE.
Well, open up we climb to the sea,
I am yours, you are mine,
Pretty thing, honeybee.
Won't you hold me?
Won't you close your eyes?
Well, honey stay here, make it feel alright.
You make me feel alright.
Won't you hold me?
Won't you close your eyes?
Oh honey, touch me, make me feel alright.
You make me feel alright.
The song "Honeybee" by Public is a love song that describes the overwhelming feeling of being in love. The lyrics portray the singer's infatuation with their lover, whom they refer to as their "honeybee." The first two lines, "Honeybee, you got me shaking like a summer tree," compare the singer's emotional state to the trembling of a tree in the wind. The next two lines, "You said the wind don't blow for you and me, but it's fine cause you're my honeybee," suggest that their love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle. The singer seems to be in a state of pure bliss and contentment with their lover, despite potential challenges.
The chorus amplifies this feeling, with the repeated line "You make me feel alright" emphasizing the positive impact that their lover has on them. The lines "Everything's heavy if you're lifting with your eyelashes / Hot flashes, coming when we see the dark patches of mind" use powerful imagery to depict the weight of their emotions and the intensity of their connection. The repeated requests to hold and touch also emphasize the physical and emotional closeness of the relationship.
Overall, the lyrics of "Honeybee" celebrate the joy and intensity of love, while also acknowledging the potential difficulties that come with it. The song is a sweet and catchy ode to the power of love and its ability to uplift and inspire.
Line by Line Meaning
Honeybee,
Addressing the person he loves and admires.
You got me shaking like a summer tree.
The person has a strong emotional effect on the singer.
You said the wind don't blow for you and me, but it's fine cause you're my honeybee.
Despite adversity, the two of them can overcome it because they are in love.
Let me breathe, Your heart is choking me and I can't see.
The intensity of their love is overwhelming and difficult for the artist to process.
Everything's heavy if you're lifting with your eyelashes.
Small things can have a huge impact if they come from the person you love.
Hot flashes, coming when we see the dark patches of mind.
Together, they can overcome negativity and find warmth and light even in the darkest of times.
It's fine, I'm FINE.
The singer is able to cope with challenges because of the strength and support of their love.
Well, open up we climb to the sea, I am yours, you are mine, Pretty thing, honeybee.
Together, they will explore and conquer the world, and the artist sees the person they love as beautiful and precious.
Won't you hold me? Won't you close your eyes?
The artist craves intimacy and emotional connection with the person they love.
Well, honey stay here, make it feel alright. You make me feel alright.
The person they love has the power to comfort and make everything feel better.
Won't you hold me? Won't you close your eyes? Oh honey, touch me, make me feel alright. You make me feel alright.
Repeating the desire for connection and intimacy, and expressing gratitude for the positive impact the person they love has on them.
Contributed by Arianna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.