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.
When She Smiled At Him
Suzy Bogguss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But she had her way with her father when she smiled at him
Years ago he stopped trying to change her he knew that he just couldn't win
She'd come home with stray dogs and strangers
He's have to let 'em in when she smiled at him
Now those old memories linger in his mind she's still only ten
And he's still wrapped round her finger like the first time when she smiled at him
When he gave her away at the wedding he paused for a moment and then
He whispered I think now I'm ready when she smiled at him
Now as the years fade into each other he may forget some things now and then
But her face now so much like her mother's carries him back again
To when she smiled at him
Now those old memories linger...
And he's still wrapped round her finger like the first time when she smiled at him
The lyrics of Suzy Bogguss's song "When She Smiled At Him" tell a story about a father who wasn't initially excited about having a daughter. The first line, "He wasn't prepared for a daughter; he thought how nice a son would have been," reveals this sentiment. However, his daughter managed to win him over by smiling at him. The chorus repeats the sentiment, noting that the father knew he couldn't change his daughter and would have to let her personality and quirks dictate their relationship. Throughout the song, the lyrics express the ways that the father was charmed by his daughter's smile and how their bond grew over the years.
The second verse of the song focuses on the daughter's wedding day, where the father pauses for a moment before giving her away. He whispers that he's ready now, referring to the fact that he's come to accept and appreciate his daughter for who she is. The final verse acknowledges that time has passed and memories fade, but the father's love for his daughter endures. The phrase "and he's still wrapped around her finger like the first time when she smiled at him" emphasizes this unconditional love.
"When She Smiled At Him" is a poignant and relatable song that explores the dynamics of a father-daughter relationship. It highlights how small actions, like a smile, can have a significant impact on a relationship and how bonds can evolve over time.
Line by Line Meaning
He wasn't prepared for a daughter he thought how nice a son would have been
He was expecting a son but got a daughter instead, which he wasn't prepared for
But she had her way with her father when she smiled at him
Despite the father's expectations and attempts to change her, his daughter could always make him happy with just a smile
Years ago he stopped trying to change her he knew that he just couldn't win
He realized that he couldn't change his daughter and stopped trying to do so
She'd come home with stray dogs and strangers he's have to let 'em in when she smiled at him
His daughter had a habit of bringing home strays and people he didn't know, but he would still let them in when she made him happy with a smile
Now those old memories linger in his mind she's still only ten
Even though his daughter is now grown up, the memories of her childhood still stay with him
And he's still wrapped round her finger like the first time when she smiled at him
He is still under his daughter's spell, just like how he was when he first saw her smile
When he gave her away at the wedding he paused for a moment and then
During his daughter's wedding, he took a moment to reflect and think about their relationship over the years
He whispered I think now I'm ready when she smiled at him
He realized that he was ready to let go of his daughter and start a new chapter in his life, after seeing her smile one last time
Now as the years fade into each other he may forget some things now and then
As time passes, he may start to forget some of the details but the important memories will stay with him
But her face now so much like her mother's carries him back again to when she smiled at him
Her face reminds him of her mother and takes him back to the moment that he fell in love with his daughter's smile
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOANIE CHAPPELL BEESON, MICHAEL JAY JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind