The first known public appearance of the Osborne Brothers was in 1951. They joined the cast at WCYB Bristol, Virginia, to perform on a program called "Farm and Fun Time", along with other Bluegrass bands, such as, The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Carl Story and his Rambling Mountainers. Other members of "Farm and Fun Time" included, Jim & Jesse, Little Robert Van Winkle, Curly King and the Tennessee Hilltoppers, and country recording artist Red Kirk. The live program aired five days a week, Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on WCYB Radio, and covered five states.
Upon their breakout into the bluegrass scene, the Osborne Brothers quickly became noted for their virtuosic instrumentation and tight, melodic vocal harmonies. Their first country chart appearance was "Once More", a 1958 trio with Red Allen, with a then-novel inverted stacked harmony: Bobby singing the lead line highest, then Sonny singing baritone, and finally the third singer (in this case Red Allen) singing the tenor as the lowest part. This placed Bobby's distinctive voice as the lead, and made the third voice a somewhat interchangeable part. As a result, the brothers could hire a series of guitarist/singers without changing their overall sound. This "high lead" vocal trio became their signature sound, used to great effect in the country market, with songs like "Blame Me", "Sweethearts Again", and a remake of the Carter Family's "Fair and Tender Ladies".
During their breakout period of the mid 1950s, Sonny's banjo and Bobby's mandolin styles became distinctive and easily-identifiable with their overall sound. The band was inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry on August 8, 1964.
The Osborne Brothers have the distinction of having recorded two songs that would go on to be officially voted as "state songs." The first, "Rocky Top," was named a Tennessee state song in 1982. The other, "Kentucky," was named a state song for the brothers' home state of Kentucky.
In 1994, The Osborne Brothers were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor. The induction is considered bluegrass music's highest honor.
Give This Message to Your Heart
The Osborne Brothers Lyrics
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Give this message to your heart
Read my letter one more time
Don′t let me tear our world apart
Please don't read between the lines
Give this message to your heart.
Most of all I just don't know why I cheated on you
Give me the chance that I'd give you
Give this message to your heart.
--- Instrumental ---
It′s hard to ask you to forgive
For you have more than done your part
But if you don′t then I can't live
Give this message to your heart.
I don′t know what made me lie to you
Most of all I just don't know why I cheated on you
Give me the chance that I′d give you
Give this message to your heart...
The lyrics of "Give This Message to Your Heart" by The Osborne Brothers (originally performed by Charlie Louvin and Ira Louvin) depict a remorseful individual who is pleading for forgiveness and reconciliation with their loved one. The song essentially serves as a heartfelt apology from the singer to their partner, expressing regret for their actions and desperately seeking a second chance.
The opening lines, "Give this message to your heart, Read my letter one more time," suggest that the singer has already tried to communicate their feelings through writing but feels it is essential to stress the importance of the message. They emphasize not wanting to destroy their relationship and implore their partner not to read into hidden meanings or mistrust their words.
The lyrics continue with a confession, "I don't know what made me lie to you, Most of all I just don't know why I cheated on you." Here, the singer openly admits to deceiving their partner and cheating, expressing genuine confusion about their own actions. They yearn for the same understanding and opportunity to make amends that their partner has generously extended in the past, "Give me the chance that I'd give you, Give this message to your heart."
The chorus is a plea for forgiveness, acknowledging the difficulty of asking for it, "It's hard to ask you to forgive, For you have more than done your part." The singer recognizes that their partner has already given so much to the relationship and yet is still willing to plead for another chance. They conclude with the gravity of their emotional state, "But if you don't then I can't live, Give this message to your heart."
In summary, "Give This Message to Your Heart" is a heartfelt apology and plea for forgiveness from someone who has betrayed their partner. The lyrics reflect their regret, confusion, and desperate desire to salvage their relationship and make things right.
Line by Line Meaning
Give this message to your heart
Take these words to heart and truly understand their significance
Read my letter one more time
Take a moment to fully absorb and comprehend the content of my written message
Don't let me tear our world apart
Prevent our relationship from falling apart and causing immense damage
Please don't read between the lines
Don't search for hidden or implied meanings in what I'm saying; take it at face value
I don't know what made me lie to you
I am genuinely unsure of why I deceived you with untruths
Most of all I just don't know why I cheated on you
Above all else, I can't comprehend the reasons behind my infidelity
Give me the chance that I'd give you
Grant me the same opportunity for forgiveness that I would extend to you
Give this message to your heart
Take these words to heart and truly understand their significance
It's hard to ask you to forgive
I understand that it is difficult for me to request your forgiveness
For you have more than done your part
You have gone above and beyond your obligations in our relationship
But if you don't then I can't live
If you choose not to forgive me, I will struggle to continue living with this guilt and regret
Give this message to your heart
Take these words to heart and truly understand their significance
Writer(s): Charles Louvin, Ira Louvin
Contributed by Sophia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.