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.
Family Tree
Suzy Bogguss Lyrics
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When I was growin up, I'd climb up to the top
And watch my brother trading baseball cards
My Daddy pulling weeds, mother callin me
I was hiding in the leaves
And the world looked fine as fas as I could see
From the top of the family tree
Way up there in the family tree
When I was seventeen, I left that town
My life was right on track, I never once looked back
I was so sure that I was glory bound
I gave it all I had and when it all went bad
Got a phone call from my dad
And the world looked fine as fas as I could see
From the top of the family tree
A hundred branches growing 'round me
Way up there in the family tree
Now I'm older and my husband laughs at me
I'm building houses for the kids up in a tree
And the world looks fine as fas as I can see
From the top of the family tree
A hundred branches growing 'round me
Way up here in the family tree
The lyrics to Suzy Bogguss's song "Family Tree" depict the nostalgic journey of a person reflecting on their childhood and the significance of their family. The opening verse describes a maple tree in the front yard, where the singer used to climb to the top and observe their brother trading baseball cards. The imagery of their father pulling weeds and their mother calling them while they hide in the leaves creates a vivid picture of a happy and carefree childhood.
As the song progresses, the singer reminisces about leaving their hometown at the age of seventeen with high aspirations and never looking back. However, when things didn't go as planned, they received a phone call from their dad, suggesting that their family provided comfort and support during challenging times. The idea is that no matter how far they may have gone or how successful they became, their family remained a constant source of strength and stability.
In the final verse, the singer acknowledges their current stage of life, where they are married and building houses for their own children in a tree, signifying the continuation of family values and traditions. This suggests that they have come to realize the importance of family and the love that is passed down through generations.
Overall, "Family Tree" is a heartfelt tribute to the significance of familial bonds and the grounding force that family provides throughout life's ups and downs.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a maple tree in our front yard
In my childhood home, there stood a majestic maple tree that symbolized the foundation of my family.
When I was growin up, I'd climb up to the top
During my early years, I used to ascend to the highest point of the tree, representing my growing curiosity and desire for exploration.
And watch my brother trading baseball cards
Observing my brother engaging in the innocent and joyful act of exchanging baseball cards, illustrating the bond and shared experiences within our family.
My Daddy pulling weeds, mother callin me
Witnessing my father diligently tending to the garden while my mother affectionately called me, emphasizing the nurturing and caring nature of my parents.
I was hiding in the leaves
Concealing myself within the foliage of the tree, indicating that amidst the ordinary family moments, I found solace and a sense of security.
And the world looked fine as far as I could see
During my youthful perspective, everything in the world seemed perfect and harmonious, as viewed from the elevated vantage point of the family tree.
From the top of the family tree
Referring to the elevated position within the family unit, symbolizing a sense of authority, stability, and interconnectedness.
A hundred branches growing 'round me
Portraying the multitude of familial connections and relationships, with each branch signifying a different family member or relative.
Way up there in the family tree
Highlighting the elevated position of the family tree as a source of strength, heritage, and a sense of belonging.
When I was seventeen, I left that town
At the age of seventeen, I departed from my hometown, embarking on a new chapter of my life, separate from the familiarity of home.
My life was right on track, I never once looked back
During that period, I felt confident that my life was progressing well, and I had no regrets or nostalgia for the past.
I was so sure that I was glory bound
In this phase of independence, I held a strong belief that I was destined for success, fulfillment, and recognition in my pursuits.
I gave it all I had and when it all went bad
Despite investing my utmost effort and dedication, when things took a turn for the worse, and my endeavors crumbled, leaving me disheartened.
Got a phone call from my dad
Receiving an unexpected call from my father, underscoring the significance of familial support and compassion during challenging times.
Now I'm older and my husband laughs at me
In my present years, my spouse finds amusement in my actions, indicating the enduring love, intimacy, and shared experiences within a marriage.
I'm building houses for the kids up in a tree
Engaging in a playful and imaginative act of constructing treehouses, signifying my role as a nurturing parent, creating spaces of joy and adventure for our children.
And the world looks fine as far as I can see
From my current perspective, the world appears beautiful and content, observed from the elevated viewpoint of the family tree once more.
From the top of the family tree
Reiterating the significance of the elevated position within the family unit, where love, support, and familial ties thrive.
A hundred branches growing 'round me
Emphasizing the abundant connections and relationships within an extended family, continually expanding and branching out.
Way up here in the family tree
Expressing the contentment and fulfillment found in being part of a strong family unit, elevated and secure in the embrace of the family tree.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOUG CRIDER, MATT ROLLINGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind