Milsap was born in Robbinsville, North Carolina with a congenital disorder that left him almost completely blind. He was abandoned by his mother as an infant and raised by his grandparents until the age of five, when he was sent to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Milsap showed musical aptitude at an early age. The school stressed classical music training but he preferred country, gospel and rhythm-and-blues. He released his first single, Total Disaster, in 1963 at the age of twenty. This was followed by several Ashford And Simpson, compositions, including the memorable "Let's Go Get Stoned", which, unfortunately for Milsap, was relegated to a b-side. A few months later it would become a million-selling single for the more popular blind pianist, Ray Charles. 1972 found him working regularly at Roger Miller's King of the Road Club in Nashville, Tennessee and he signed with RCA Records in 1973. He was at his peak of popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s with songs that made his name familiar to pop as well as country audiences, such as "It Was Almost Like A Song," "{There's) No Gettin' Over Me," "Smoky Mountain Rain," "I Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World," and a remake of Chuck Jackson's "Any Day Now" (which was named Billboard magazine's Number One Adult Contemporary hit of 1982). Milsap recorded for RCA until 1992. During that time he created five gold albums, one platinum album and one double platinum album. He also won six Grammy Awards and eight Country Music Association awards including the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award. In 2005 Milsap resigned with RCA Records and released a new country single, "Local Girls."
Milsap has recorded music with Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley and Barry Manilow.
Ronnie and his wife Joyce currently make their home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Milsap enjoys his hobby of amateur (Ham) radio. More info on him can be found at: http://www.qrz.com/wb4kcg
She Keeps The Home Fires Burning
Ronnie Milsap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Coffee leaking through the paper sack
The foreman says I'm late again, he can't stand it when I only grin
He's got me eight hours, she's got me after that
I can't wait 'til it's quittin' time
She got something cookin' for me tonight
She keeps the home fires burning
That's known for its pouring rain
She keeps the home fires burning
Ooh and it's her warm loving that keeps me returning again
And again
Out of gas, just my luck, four bald tires on my pickup truck
No more credit on my credit card
When I come home and hit that door
I remember what these aching arms are for
She's my one light when the world goes dark
Tomorrow it's the same old grind
But she'll be burning in my mind
She keeps the home fires burning
While I'm out earning a living in a world
That's known for its pouring rain
She keeps the home fires burning
Ooh and it's her warm loving that keeps me returning again
She keeps the home fires burning
Ooh and it's her warm loving that keeps me returning again
Home fires burning
While I'm out earning a living in a world
She keeps the home fires burning
Ooh and it's her warm loving that keeps me returning again
She keeps the home fires burning
While I'm out earning a living in a world
That's known for its pouring rain
Ronnie Milsap's "She Keeps the Home Fires Burning" is a song that tells the story of a man who leaves for work early in the morning and returns home in the evening, but knows that his wife is always there waiting for him. The song's lyrics convey a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the man's wife, who keeps their home life stable while he is out in the world earning a living. The verses describe the struggles that he faces in his job, such as dealing with a strict foreman and experiencing car troubles, but he knows that he can always look forward to returning home to his wife.
The lyrics paint a picture of the struggles of life but highlights the importance of strong relationships that can withstand the storms of life. The phrase "she keeps the home fires burning" is a reference to the idea that even when times are tough, his wife is always there to provide warmth, comfort, and security. As a result, their connection is stronger, and he is willing to keep working and fighting his battles, knowing that he has a partner who is always there to support him.
Line by Line Meaning
Crack of dawn I hit the road, set my shoulders for the heavy load
I wake up early in the morning to go to work and prepare myself for the long day ahead.
Coffee leaking through the paper sack
The coffee is spilling out of the paper bag I use to carry it with me.
The foreman says I'm late again, he can't stand it when I only grin
My boss is upset that I'm running late, and my smile isn't helping the situation.
He's got me eight hours, she's got me after that
I work eight hours for my boss, and then I come home to my wife.
I can't wait 'til it's quittin' time
I'm eagerly waiting for the workday to end.
She got something cookin' for me tonight
My wife is preparing a meal for me when I get home.
She keeps the home fires burning
My wife takes care of our home and keeps everything running smoothly while I'm away.
While I'm out earning a living in a world That's known for its pouring rain
I'm working hard to make a living in a world that can be challenging and difficult.
Ooh and it's her warm loving that keeps me returning again And again
My wife's love and warmth make me want to come back home to her again and again.
Out of gas, just my luck, four bald tires on my pickup truck No more credit on my credit card
My pickup truck has no gas and needs new tires, and I've maxed out my credit card.
When I come home and hit that door I remember what these aching arms are for
When I come home and see my wife, I remember that everything I do is for her and our family.
She's my one light when the world goes dark
My wife is my comfort and support when everything else seems uncertain and scary.
Tomorrow it's the same old grind But she'll be burning in my mind
Even though I have to go to work again tomorrow, thoughts of my wife will keep me going.
Home fires burning
The fire in my home is always burning, thanks to my wife's care and attention.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL BARRY REID, DON PFRIMMER, DENNIS MORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@teewill96
I'm 24 years old and heard this song for the first time a couple months ago while driving through the mountains in Tennessee. That's the best place to hear that real country and it was an experience I'll never forget.
@jeffcase7827
I heard it while being lost looking for my girlfriend's bluegrass band show, we missed it, but we had an absolutely adventurous day and this song came on by chance, she and I looking through CD's to listen to.
@lennon_richardson
I love it
@michaelleventhal3974
Come back, anytime
@ttocselbag5054
@Tyler—I get ya, East Tennessee is so damn beautiful.
@christopherfletcher2968
Man i totally am with you
@kwagon87
Love this song! It fits my parents as dad worked long hours. But mom always had dinner ready in a clean house and us kids cleaned up w homework done. It has been my father's song for mom since it came out! It holds more now that she has terminal cancer and he's the one keeping those home fires burning for her. Thank you forever Ronnie for the music we listened to in the Smokies as they held hands and sang. God bless you ❤
@drakehonest2
Hello how are you doing today?
@richardhammer6559
What a great comment. Thank you and Godbless I pray for your Mom
@CiscoDuck
I love how Ronnie had all of these songs about love, life, work, struggles, lovin' and the good things in the world we live in. I knew a waitress in CA back in the early 90's whose sister was Ronnie's housekeeper for many years. She told me a lot about Ronnie and showed me pictures of her sis & family, of her & her husband & kids all visiting with Ronnie at his big old house I believe she said was in Knoxville. Imagine that! A country music super star entertaining the help and her family. She said he was the most down to earth most humble man she ever met and a genuine good guy. I always had the sense that he was something very special. She told me that he most certainly is and that for one thing Ronnie is a Christian - a real one, not one who plays church on Sunday, but one who lives it everyday. He has such a gift. I always loved his music! God bless ya Ronnie!