After The Judds disbanded in 1991, she then went to Texas Wynonna began a solo career, also on Curb. In her solo career, she has released eight studio albums, a live album, a holiday album and two compilation albums in addition to charting more than 20 singles of her own. Her first three singles—"She Is His Only Need", "I Saw the Light," and "No One Else on Earth"—all reached number one on the U.S. country singles charts consecutively, as did 1993's "Only Love" and 1996's, "To Be Loved by You." Three of her albums are certified platinum or higher by the RIAA. She released a new single, "Something You Can't Live Without," in March 2013. Her most recent recording, Wynonna & The Big Noise, was released on February 12, 2016 via Curb Records. Wynonna & the Big Noise are a country band lead by Wynonna and husband Cactus Mosher. Wynonna is most recognized for her musical work, although starting in the 2000s she has also pursued other interests, including writing, acting and philanthropy.
Flies on the Butter
Wynonna Judd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A hole in the screen door big as your fist
And flies on the butter
Mama baking sugar cookies, we were watching cartoons
I heard her holler from the kitchen
"Which one of you youngen's wants to lick the spoon?"
Daddy turning on the sprinkler
Us kids running through it in our underwear
Old dog napping on the front porch, his ear just a twitching
Fell asleep on granddaddy's lap
To the sound of his pocket watch ticking
Oh, oh, it doesn't seem like it was all that long ago
Oh, oh, you can dream about it every now and then
But you can't go home again
Me and my best friend Jenny set up a backyard camp
Stole one of mama's mason jars
Poked holes in the lid and made a firefly lamp
Me and Billy Monroe, sneaking down by the river
I'm still haunted by the taste of the kiss
I was too scared to give him
Oh, oh, it doesn't seem like it was all that long ago
Oh, oh, you can dream about it every now and then
But you can't go home again
There's a blacktop road, a faded yellow centerline
It can take you back to the place
But it can't take you back in time
Oh, oh, it doesn't seem like it was all that long ago
Oh, oh, you can dream about it every now and then
But you can't go home again
Old tin roof, leaves in the gutter
A hole in the screen door big as your fist
And flies on the butter
Wynonna Judd's song "Flies on the Butter" is a nostalgic look back into the simple life and childhood memories. The first verse speaks of a rundown house with a screen door with a hole in it and flies on the butter, setting the tone for a simple rural life. The second verse speaks of family memories of baking sugar cookies, playing outside with sprinklers, and granddad's pocket watch that would sing his lullaby. The chorus talks about how dreamy it is to remember these moments, but one can never go back home again. The third verse speaks of childhood friendship memories like catching fireflies in mason jars and the timidness of a first kiss at the river.
"Flies on the Butter" takes listeners on a journey down memory lane, where one can appreciate those simple moments that make up the fabric of a happy life. Despite the song's tone, it can still evoke melancholy for those times that have passed. In retrospect, the memories are so cherished that they are almost magical. Judd's soulful voice adds emphasis to the song's wistful tone while offering a glimpse into the sentiments it embodies.
Line by Line Meaning
Old tin roof, leaves in the gutter
The worn-out roof and the accumulation of debris in the gutters are reminiscent of the passage of time.
A hole in the screen door big as your fist
The hole in the screen door is too large to ignore and reveals the house's neglect.
And flies on the butter
Even though the house has its problems, there are still some small things that are comforting.
Mama baking sugar cookies, we were watching cartoons
Despite financial struggles, mother tries to create happy moments through her baking and family time.
I heard her holler from the kitchen
Mother stays busy taking care of her family and home.
"Which one of you youngen's wants to lick the spoon?"
Mother wants to give her children a taste of sweetness in life.
Yellow jackets on the watermelon, honeysuckle in the air
The summertime is filled with natural wonders and beauty.
Daddy turning on the sprinkler
Father takes time to have fun and make memories with his family.
Us kids running through it in our underwear
The children enjoy the little moments of life with energy and enthusiasm.
Old dog napping on the front porch, his ear just a twitching
Pets are loyal and loving companions throughout one's life.
Fell asleep on granddaddy's lap
Grandparents play an important and precious role in a child's life.
To the sound of his pocket watch ticking
The simple sound of a pocket watch represents the passage of time and happy memories.
Me and my best friend Jenny set up a backyard camp
Friendship is a source of happiness and adventure.
Stole one of mama's mason jars
Friends often take risks and make mistakes together.
Poked holes in the lid and made a firefly lamp
Creativity and imagination can turn even the most mundane things into something magical.
Me and Billy Monroe, sneaking down by the river
First love is both thrilling and terrifying.
I'm still haunted by the taste of the kiss
Even years later, memories of first love can be powerful and emotional.
I was too scared to give him
Fear can hold people back from taking risks and experiencing life fully.
There's a blacktop road, a faded yellow centerline
Time and the elements can impact even the most sturdy and permanent things.
It can take you back to the place
Certain things can transport someone back to a different era in their life.
But it can't take you back in time
While we can revisit memories, we can't relive them and must move forward with life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHUCK CANNON, AUSTIN N CUNNINGHAM, JAMES ALLEN N SHAMBLIN II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind