Adams dropped out of high school at age 16 to work in a shoe shop and make music. He formed a band named Whiskeytown in 1994; they disbanded in 1999 having released two full albums, Faithless Street and Strangers Almanac. Adams went on to put out his first solo record, Heartbreaker, in 2000. After a long delay, in 2001 Whiskeytown's third album Pneumonia was finally issued.
In 2002, Ryan contributed backing vocals on Butterfly in Reverse, from the Counting Crows album, Hard Candy; after Adam Duritz (Counting Crows lead singer) appeared on the album Gold.
Ryan is highly prolific, and in 2005 released one double album and two regular albums: Cold Roses, Jacksonville City Nights and 29, respectively. His album, 29, was produced by friend Ethan Johns (who also produced his first two albums, Heartbreaker and Gold). In between those two releases and his 2005 triple-header, Ryan released Demolition (a collection of out-takes), Love Is Hell and Rock N Roll. Unreleased studio albums include 48 Hours, Exile On Franklin Street and Suicide Handbook.
In addition, Adams worked with Jesse Malin to form the punk-rock group The Finger (under the pseudonyms, "Warren Peace" and "Irving Plaza" respectively), who released two E.P.s which were collected together to form We Are Fuck You, released on One Little Indian Records in 2003.
In 2006 Ryan went on a minor UK-tour and a minor US-tour along the west-coast and has streamed 11+ mini albums on his website, under numerous jokey pseudonyms (DJ Reggie, Werewolph, The Shit, Rhoda Ro, Ghetto Birds).
The following solo record, entitled Easy Tiger, was released on June 26, 2007. The newest and last record with his backing band The Cardinals, Cardinology, was released in October 2008 and followed by extensive touring through the UK, US and Australia.
In January 2009 he announced that he would be going on an indefinite hiatus from music. The Kindness Songfacts reports that the major reason for Adams’ temporary retirement was his struggles with Ménière’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that wrecks havoc on hearing and balance. Adams resumed performing in October 2010, and released his thirteenth studio album, Ashes & Fire, on October 11, 2011. His now ex-wife, pop singer and actress Mandy Moore, contributed some backing vocals.
Goodbye Honey
Ryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's nice to see you
Goodbye and ain't I blue
Goodbye honey
Mind the door and maybe we will see you again
Maybe we will see you again
Goodbye, honey
I hope you're happy
Goodbye and good luck, too
Goodbye honey
Mind the door and
Maybe we will see you again
Maybe we will see you again
'Cause it's been a long time coming and I won't miss you
It's been a long time coming and ain't I blue
Didn't come a minute too soon
Better take a good look at yourself
You better take a look and see what's left
'Cause it's been a long time coming
Daffodils and pretty things, take all of my money please
Daffodils and pretty things, take all of my money please
'Cause it's been a long time coming
It's been a long time coming
'Cause it's been a long time coming
The lyrics to Ryan Adams's song Goodbye Honey seem to be a farewell to someone who is leaving or has left. The singer appears to be speaking to someone with whom they have had a difficult relationship, and while they want them to be happy, they also are not going to miss them. The repetition of "Goodbye honey" throughout the song underscores the sense of closure and finality.
The lines "Mind the door and maybe we will see you again" and "Maybe we will see you again" suggest that the singer is trying to leave the possibility of reconciliation open, even as they are saying goodbye. However, the repetition of "It's been a long time coming" and "Didn't come a minute too soon" makes it clear that the singer is also relieved to be ending this relationship.
The final lines of the song, "Daffodils and pretty things, take all of my money please" seem to be a non-sequitur, but they may be an expression of the singer's desire to move on and start afresh. Daffodils are a common symbol of rebirth and renewal, and the phrase "take all of my money please" suggests a willingness to give everything up for a fresh start.
Overall, Goodbye Honey is a bittersweet song that captures the complex emotions of a difficult farewell.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodbye honey
Ryan is saying goodbye to his significant other, using a term of endearment.
It's nice to see you
Despite being the one to leave, Ryan expresses that it's still nice to see his partner.
Goodbye and ain't I blue
Ryan is sad to leave and feels a sense of loss.
I hope you're happy
Ryan wishes the best for his ex-lover.
Goodbye and good luck, too
In addition to saying goodbye, Ryan wishes his partner good luck in their future endeavors.
Mind the door and maybe we will see you again
Ryan reminds his ex to be careful when leaving, and acknowledges the possibility of meeting again someday.
Maybe we will see you again
Ryan reiterates that seeing his ex again is a possibility that he considers.
'Cause it's been a long time coming and I won't miss you
Ryan has apparently been anticipating this breakup for some time and won't be sorry to see his partner go.
Better take a good look at yourself
Ryan is suggesting that his partner take a hard look in the mirror and reflect on their actions.
You better take a look and see what's left
This line emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and taking personal responsibility.
Daffodils and pretty things, take all of my money please
This line suggests that Ryan is trying to cope with the loss of his partner by indulging in material possessions.
'Cause it's been a long time coming
Ryan repeats this line to emphasize that this breakup was inevitable and a long time coming.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RYAN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind