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.
Just Enough Rope
Suzy Bogguss Lyrics
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I met you in a parking lot one day after school
We didn't have no money, we didn't have no sense
You jumped in beside me, and then we jumped the fence.
We had just enough gas to get to Memphis
Just the right song playing on the radio
Just enough highway to push the limit
Oh, just enough rope
Barely hangin' on, barely in control
You and me baby and just enough rope
I was wild about you, you gave me your heart
We made a solemn promise to never be apart
Days turned into months yeah, we were runnin' free
You and me together and baby makes three
We had just enough pride to think we'd make it
Just enough ride to know the way to go
Just enough time to find a preacher
We tied the knot with just enough rope
Oh, just enough rope
Barely hangin' on, barely in control
You and me baby and just enough rope
We could have hung ourselves out to dry
But we wrapped it around you and I
Then we pulled it tight
Here we stand ready to turn another page
Some things just get better with age
I've been lovin' you since I can't remember when
I said it before and I'll say it again
We got just enough fire to keep it burning
Just enough dream to never give up hope
Just enough love to last forever
We keep it tied together with just enough rope
We kept it all together with just enough rope
Oh, just enough rope
We're still hangin' on we're still going strong
Just enough rope
Oh, just enough rope
'Round and around and around we go
The lyrics of Suzy Bogguss's song "Just Enough Rope" tell the story of a relationship that is characterized by a sense of adventure, risk, and resilience. The singer reflects on their initial meeting, where they both underestimated each other's qualities - one thinking the other was dangerous while the other found them cool. Despite their lack of money and common sense, they embark on a journey together, symbolized by jumping a fence, indicating a willingness to take risks and confront challenges head-on.
As the narrative progresses, the lyrics describe the couple's journey to Memphis with just enough gas, the perfect song on the radio, and the right amount of highway to test their limits. This imagery conveys a sense of living on the edge, navigating life's uncertainties together with a sense of thrill and excitement. The metaphor of "just enough rope" suggests that their relationship is finely balanced, swinging between control and recklessness.
The middle section of the song delves into the evolution of the relationship, from wild infatuation to a deeper commitment symbolized by a solemn promise and the birth of a child. The couple's journey from carefree days to more mature responsibilities is illustrated through their decision to marry, symbolized by "tying the knot with just enough rope." Despite facing challenges, they choose to hold on to each other, barely hanging on but still in control, implying a resilience to weather the storms together.
The final verses highlight the endurance of their love over time, with references to keeping the fire burning, holding on to dreams, and cherishing the love that binds them together. The repeated refrain of "just enough rope" underscores the idea that their relationship has survived by the narrowest of margins, despite the potential for self-destruction. The imagery of wrapping themselves in the rope and pulling it tight signifies their commitment to each other, demonstrating that some things in life improve with age and shared experiences. Overall, the song portrays a narrative of a relationship that has overcome challenges, grown stronger over time, and continues to endure with just enough love and resilience to keep them tied together.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL GERALD LUNN, MICHAEL I. NOBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind