Oliver Hazard’s latest single, “Honey, I’m Hardly,” is a heartfelt dive into the complexities of love and longing. Released by Nettwerk Music Group on May 14, 2024, this indie-folk gem captures the essence of fleeting moments and unreciprocated affection. With its lilting melodies and poignant lyrics, the song stands out as a reflective anthem for those navigating the bittersweet terrain of romantic uncertainty.
Lyrics that Tell a Story
The song opens with evocative imagery:
High on the Poconos
Honey can you pass me those smokies
Cover your eyes, and dream of yesterday
Rely on the radio
Lately you’ve been singing so softly
A couple more miles, we’ll be there any day now
These lines paint a vivid picture of a shared journey, both literal and metaphorical. The mention of the Poconos and the casual request to pass the smokies ground the song in a specific, relatable setting. Yet, there’s an underlying wistfulness, a sense of nostalgia for simpler times, as they cover their eyes and dream of yesterday.
The chorus reveals the core of the song’s emotional conflict:
Cause honey
I am hardly, even yours
But maybe I’ll make you mine
Ooo wee ooo
I am mad for you
I am yours, but you ain’t mine
This candid admission of unbalanced love is delivered with a blend of hope and resignation. The repeated “I am yours, but you ain’t mine” encapsulates the torment of loving someone who doesn’t quite reciprocate in the same measure. It’s a sentiment many can relate to, making the song both personal and universal.
A Blend of Joy and Melancholy
Musically, “Honey, I’m Hardly” marries cheerful folk melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a sound that’s both uplifting and contemplative. The happy mood of the tune contrasts with the underlying sadness of the lyrics, reflecting the duality of love itself. This blend is further highlighted in the second verse:
Feeling awake, we’ll stay out late
It’s been a long day
The sun it won’t rise, but maybe I’ll ask this time
You dive in the lake
I watch you shake, you’re freezing
Cover up nice, It’s getting cold and late
Here, the imagery of staying out late and diving into a cold lake underscores the lengths one might go to capture fleeting moments of connection, despite the inevitable chill of unreturned affection.
The Evolution of Oliver Hazard
The story of Waterville, Ohio’s Oliver Hazard is a testament to the serendipitous nature of modern music-making. Michael Belazis, Griffin McCulloch, and Devin East’s journey from a Facebook raffle to recording their debut album, 34 N River, in one take, is the stuff of indie legend. Their subsequent releases, including the acclaimed EP The Flood and their self-titled sophomore album, have solidified their reputation as purveyors of authentic, emotionally resonant folk music.
Connecting with Broader Themes
“Honey, I’m Hardly” resonates beyond the indie-folk sphere, touching on themes of love, longing, and the human condition. In an era where digital connections often overshadow face-to-face interactions, the song’s emphasis on real, tangible experiences feels refreshingly intimate. It’s a reminder of the power of music to bridge gaps and evoke shared feelings, no matter how personal they may seem.
Final Thoughts
Oliver Hazard’s “Honey, I’m Hardly” is a beautifully crafted song that explores the tender intricacies of unrequited love with honesty and grace. Its lyrical depth, combined with the band’s signature folk sound, makes it a standout track in their discography and a must-listen for fans of the genre.
