After taking a brief recording hiatus in the mid-1990s to start a family with her husband, songwriter Doug Crider, Bogguss returned to the country music scene to find that her charting power had already faded. Although she last appeared on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart in 1999, Bogguss continues to record and perform around the country to a loyal following.
Her most recent recordings have ventured into swing and jazz variations of country. These albums really showcase the tremendous talent in her voice. Suzy is a true singer, and her voice has so much versatility.
In 2014, Suzy added an album of Merle Haggard songs entitled "Lucky". The country & western flavor dominates this album, unlike some of her other recent work. To promote this new album, Suzy has embarked on a nationwide tour.
Chain Lover
Suzy Bogguss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before I put the other one out
Oh, I tried to kick the habit
Gosh darn [Incomprehensible]
There somethin' there I just can't do without
It's addictive, it's a high lightin' up a guy
Before I know him, I'm on another jag
Seems like everythin' goes wrong
Gets to be a king size drag
And oh, I know that I should quit
I'm so afraid, I'll have a fit
I'm just a chain lover, light another
Put the other one out
I'm a chain lover let me tell you, brother
Before I know you, I'm on another jag
I might be keepin' company
Before I set the last one free
Waitin' while the other packs his bag
And oh, I love the afterglow
But after that he's gotta go
I'm just a chain lover, light another
Put the other one
A chain lover, light another
Put the other one out
The lyrics of Suzy Bogguss's song "Chain Lover" is about a woman who is addicted to finding love and intimacy with men. She compares her addiction to cigarettes as a "chain lover," lighting up a new flame before she's put out the previous one. She has tried to quit but finds it difficult to do so because there is something about it that she cannot resist. She finds herself constantly searching for the next thrill and has trouble letting go of her current partner.
The addiction is described as an "afterglow," which is the feeling of satisfaction after being intimate with someone, but it is short-lived. She knows that she should quit, but the fear of withdrawal keeps her from doing so. This addiction is causing a lot of problems in her life as she can't keep a stable relationship and is constantly in search of the next thrill, even if it means hurting herself and others.
In summary, "Chain Lover" is a song about the destructive nature of addiction, specifically addiction to love and intimacy.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a chain lover, lightin' up another
I enjoy starting new relationships, like lighting a new cigarette
Before I put the other one out
Before I end a previous relationship
Oh, I tried to kick the habit
Although I have tried to stop starting new relationships, it's been difficult
Gosh darn [Incomprehensible]
Expression of frustration with the habit
There somethin' there I just can't do without
I have a need for constantly starting new relationships
It's addictive, it's a high lightin' up a guy
Starting new relationships is addictive and gives me a rush
Before I know him, I'm on another jag
Before getting to know a person, I am already starting a new relationship
If I let him stay too long
If a relationship lasts too long
Seems like everythin' goes wrong
It causes issues and complications
Gets to be a king size drag
It becomes a significant burden
And oh, I know that I should quit
I understand that I should stop this habit
I'm so afraid, I'll have a fit
I am afraid of the difficulty of quitting
I'm just a chain lover, light another
I am someone who enjoys starting new relationships
Put the other one out
Ending the previous relationship
I'm a chain lover let me tell you, brother
I want to express that I really enjoy starting new relationships
I might be keepin' company
I might be starting a new relationship with someone
Before I set the last one free
Before ending the previous relationship
Waitin' while the other packs his bag
Waiting for the end of the previous relationship before starting a new one
And oh, I love the afterglow
I enjoy the feeling after starting a new relationship
But after that he's gotta go
But then the relationship has to end
A chain lover, light another
I am someone who enjoys starting new relationships
Put the other one out
Ending the previous relationship
Contributed by Hunter Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.