“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Released in 1986, “Diggin’ Up Bones” taps into themes of heartache and loss. For many, this song is reminiscent of those quiet, reflective moments after a breakup where you sift through memories of a past love—an experience that resonates universally. It’s a song that solidified Randy Travis as a country music icon.
About the Composition
- Title: Diggin’ Up Bones
- Composer: Paul Overstreet, Al Gore, Nat Stuckey
- Premiere Date: August 4, 1986
- Album: Storms of Life
- Genre: Country
Background
Written by Paul Overstreet, Al Gore, and Nat Stuckey, “Diggin’ Up Bones” was part of Randy Travis’s breakthrough album Storms of Life. The song paints a vivid picture of a man looking back on a relationship that ended but left remnants of love. It became a country classic, reaching number one on both the U.S. and Canadian country charts. The melancholy yet matter-of-fact lyrics tapped into Travis’s ability to tell emotionally compelling stories, making it one of his signature hits.
Musical Style
The song’s structure is simple but effective, driven by traditional country instrumentation, including guitars and a steady rhythm section. Its mid-tempo ballad style allows for the storytelling to take center stage, while the vocal delivery emphasizes the pain and reflection in the lyrics.
Lyrics
The song’s narrator is metaphorically “diggin’ up bones,” revisiting painful memories of a lost love by sorting through old belongings. The theme of regret runs deep, as he “exhumes” memories best left buried, amplifying the emotional weight of moving on from something unresolved.
Performance History
“Diggin’ Up Bones” was a standout on country music charts, hitting the top spot in both the U.S. and Canada. It became a staple in Randy Travis’s performances, reinforcing his image as one of country’s leading traditionalists during the 1980s.
Cultural Impact
This song, along with the rest of the Storms of Life album, played a key role in revitalizing the traditional country sound during the mid-1980s. Its raw emotional core made it relatable across generations, ensuring its lasting legacy in country music. The song’s influence extended beyond the charts, establishing Travis as a pivotal figure in the “New Traditionalist” movement.
Legacy
“Diggin’ Up Bones” remains one of Randy Travis’s most memorable songs, capturing the essence of heartache with timeless appeal. Its enduring relevance in the country music canon is a testament to its universal theme of reflection and emotional vulnerability.
Conclusion
“Diggin’ Up Bones” is a perfect blend of emotional storytelling and classic country sound, reflecting on love’s more painful moments. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Randy Travis or new to his music, this song is a must-listen for its poignant narrative and country roots. For a recommended performance, check out Travis’s live renditions, which bring an extra layer of emotional depth to the song.
Video
Lyrics
Last night, I dug your picture out from my old dresser drawer
I set it on the table and I talked to it ’til four
I read some old love letters right up ’til the break of dawn
Yeah, I’ve been sittin’ alone, diggin’ up bones
Then I went through the jewelry and I found our wedding rings
I put mine on my finger and I gave yours a fling
Across this lonely bedroom of our recent broken home
Yeah, tonight, I’m sittin’ alone, diggin’ up bones
I’m diggin’ up bones (diggin’ up bones)
I’m diggin’ up bones (diggin’ up bones)
Exhumin’ things that’s better left alone
I’m resurrectin’ memories of a love that’s dead and gone
Yeah, tonight, I’m sittin’ alone, diggin’ up bones
And I went through the closet and I found some things in there
Like that pretty negligee that I bought you to wear
And I recall how good you looked each time you had it on
Yeah, tonight, I’m sittin’ alone, diggin’ up bones
I’m diggin’ up bones (diggin’ up bones)
I’m diggin’ up bones (diggin’ up bones)
Exhumin’ things that’s better left alone
I’m resurrectin’ memories of a love that’s dead and gone
Yeah, tonight, I’m sittin’ alone, diggin’ up bones
I’m resurrectin’ memories of a love that’s dead and gone
Yeah, tonight, I’m sittin’ alone, diggin’ up bones (diggin’ up bones)
I’m diggin’ up bones (diggin’ up bones)
Exhumin’ things that’s better left alone
I’m resurrectin’ memories of a love that’s dead and gone
Yeah, tonight, I’m sittin’ alone, diggin’ up bones (diggin’ up bones)
I’m diggin’ up bones (diggin’ up bones)
Exhumin’ things that’s better left alone
I’m resurrectin’ memories of a love that’s dead and gone
Yeah, tonight, I’m sittin’ alone, diggin’ up bones