The song is written.
The copyright notice on the original lyric page dates Honey Tree to 1990.
2010
Honey Tree
The original commercial release — the version that formally brought the song into the catalogue.
THE STORY
A song that kept travelling
Honey Tree dates back to 1990. Years later, after Paul's live debut with an acoustic song at a North London heavy-metal jam night, he returned to the same venue for an early live rendition of Honey Tree — acoustic guitars in tow and English verses alternating with Lingala.
The wish inside the song eventually travelled further still. Honey Tree was selected for the 2005 Africa compilation released in Johannesburg, where Paul made a 24-hour visit and performed it live again.
The commercial release followed on 27 July 2010. A shorter radio edit remaster arrived on 20 September 2012, and in 2019 the song was reworked again as the Honey Tree (Amruze DnB remix).
THE VERSIONS
THREE RELEASES, ONE SONG
2012
Radio edit remaster
A shorter version released after the original, made available through online music stores and streaming services.
2019
Amruze DnB remix
A later drum & bass reinterpretation by Amruze — another chapter in a song that had already travelled for nearly three decades.
A LONG LIFE
HONEY TREE THROUGH THE YEARS
1990
Early live years
An unconventional live beginning.
An acoustic rendition at the same North London venue where Paul had made his live debut, with English and Lingala verses sharing the song.
An acoustic rendition at the same North London venue where Paul had made his live debut, with English and Lingala verses sharing the song.
2005
Africa compilation.
Honey Tree is selected for the Africa compilation released in Johannesburg, followed by another live rendition during Paul's short visit.
Honey Tree is selected for the Africa compilation released in Johannesburg, followed by another live rendition during Paul's short visit.
2010
Official release.
Honey Tree is released on 27 July and made available through the major online music stores of the time.
Honey Tree is released on 27 July and made available through the major online music stores of the time.
2012
Radio edit remaster.
A shorter version is released on 20 September.
A shorter version is released on 20 September.
2019
Amruze DnB remix.
The song is reinterpreted again for a new release and streaming era.
The song is reinterpreted again for a new release and streaming era.
WORDS & MUSIC
LYRICS
The original lyric page has been preserved from the old paulcruse.com site; this is the same text presented in the new site design.
I'd really like to see your county
They have the world's favourite skies
The sweet smell like a Honey Tree
And the happy glint in my eye
So why don't we pack up now and go
Don't you think they'd take to me
I am pretty sure they would
'cus I feel so happy
Are you hungry
For I can whet your appetite
Just smile as you sing your song to me
And I'll take you to the Honey Tree
Are you lonely
Oh I will wipe your tears at night
We've got a life full of sights to see
Come on and take my hand to the Honey Tree
I'd really like to see your county
They have the world's favourite skies
The sweet smell like a Honey Tree
And the happy glint in my eye
So why don't we pack up now and go
Don't you think they'd take to me
I am pretty sure they would
'cus I feel so happy
© Paul Cruse 1990