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.
I Love You Only
The Osborne Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Dusty Owens)
I love you only for what you are
You may have been a queen or a fallen star
I love you only though you may be
The poorest girl on earth you're still an angel for me.
I'd even shouted loud enough the world would know
I love you only though you may be
The poorest girl on earth you're still an angel for me.
--- Instrumental ---
I'd climb the highest hill to prove that I love you so
I'd even shouted loud enough the world would know
I love you only though you may be
The poorest girl on earth you're still an angel for me.
I love you only...
The Osborne Brothers's song "I Love You Only," written by Dusty Owens, is a heartfelt declaration of love that goes beyond superficial appearances and societal status. The lyrics convey a deep affection that transcends material wealth or external beauty. The singer declares their love for the person they are addressing, regardless of whether they were once royalty or have fallen from grace. To the singer, the person is still an angel, no matter their circumstances.
The first verse expresses the singer's unconditional love, emphasizing that it is based on the person's inherent qualities rather than any worldly success or beauty they may possess. It suggests that the singer sees the person for who they truly are, beyond any external facade. The line, "You may have been a queen or a fallen star," implies that even if the person once held a position of power or fame but has now fallen from that pedestal, it does not diminish the singer's love for them.
The second verse reinforces the depth of the singer's love. They express a willingness to go to great lengths to prove their love, such as climbing the highest hill and shouting to the world about it. This displays a desire to make their love known and cement their devotion. The repetition of the chorus further emphasizes that the singer's love remains constant, regardless of the person's financial circumstances or societal standing.
Line by Line Meaning
I love you only for what you are
I love you solely for who you truly are, without any conditions or expectations.
You may have been a queen or a fallen star
Regardless of your past achievements or failures, my love for you remains unchanged.
I love you only though you may be
Even if you are facing financial hardship or any other difficulties, my love for you remains steadfast.
The poorest girl on earth you're still an angel for me
Despite any external circumstances or societal labels, I see you as a divine being and cherish you.
I'd climb the highest hill to prove that I love you so
I am willing to go to great lengths and overcome any obstacles to demonstrate the depth of my love for you.
I'd even shouted loud enough the world would know
I am willing to declare my love for you loudly and proudly, ensuring that the whole world becomes aware of our bond.
I love you only though you may be
Even if you are facing financial hardship or any other difficulties, my love for you remains steadfast.
The poorest girl on earth you're still an angel for me
Despite any external circumstances or societal labels, I see you as a divine being and cherish you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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