About The Song
Randy Travis – “Diggin’ Up Bones”
“Diggin’ Up Bones” is one of Randy Travis’s most iconic songs, released in 1986 as part of his album “Storms of Life.” This song marked a pivotal moment in Travis’s career, as it became a major hit and helped define his place as one of the leading voices in country music during the 1980s. “Diggin’ Up Bones” is a classic example of Travis’s ability to blend traditional country sound with emotional storytelling.
The lyrics of “Diggin’ Up Bones” express a deep sense of regret and heartache after the end of a relationship. The narrator reflects on the painful process of moving on from a lost love, symbolically “digging up bones” from the past, which can be interpreted as revisiting old memories and emotions that have been buried. The chorus, “I’m diggin’ up bones / Exhuming things that are better left alone,” reflects the narrator’s internal struggle, as he finds himself haunted by memories of his former lover and unable to let go. The song captures the sadness and emotional turmoil of holding onto the past.
Musically, “Diggin’ Up Bones” features a traditional country arrangement with steel guitar, fiddle, and acoustic guitar, creating a classic honky-tonk vibe that perfectly complements the song’s themes of nostalgia and heartache. Randy Travis’s deep, smooth baritone voice is the perfect fit for the song, bringing an emotional depth and sincerity to the lyrics. His performance allows the listener to feel the pain and longing expressed in the song, making it one of his standout tracks.
“Diggin’ Up Bones” became one of Randy Travis’s most commercially successful songs, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and becoming a fan favorite. The song’s blend of emotional lyrics, traditional country instrumentation, and Travis’s powerful vocals helped to solidify his place as a key figure in the neotraditional country movement.
If you’d like to explore more about “Diggin’ Up Bones”, Randy Travis’s influence on country music, or his career, feel free to ask!