Story Behind The Song

based on a true story

Song Description

Sonny is an alcoholic making his way through life, oblivious to the devastating effect his disease has on those who love him most.

Lyrics

BYE-BYE SONNY C Witzel /Uva
*B.U.- {Back up singers}

Sonny has a picture of the child he never sees
He keeps her safely tucked inside his Levis
With a letter from a lady chained
To his long alibis

*B.U. - (Smooth like Southern whiskey)

But back down in Virginia
His woman's hopes are fading
Staring through the window now
Too long anticipating
She sighs

Bye?.Bye Sonny??????
It?s time to face up to the fact
Bye?.Bye Sonny?????..
You ain't comin' back

South Jersey down the fishing docks Sonny's luck runs hard
Seems word is out that he don't pull his share
So he kicks around from boat to boat sayin'
He just don't care

*B.U.- (He?s got his Southern whiskey)

But the liquor store ripped off once more's
Demanding a conviction
As cops are cruising Harbor Road
Reading his description
And they're singing:

Bye?. Bye Sonny???????.
You?ve been slippin? through the cracks
Bye?. Bye Sonny???????
This time we've got the facts

Bridge:

He sneaks inside the church at night
The preacher leaves the back door open
Tomorrows never turn out right
But Sonny - he keeps hopin'


My Mama has some pictures of the child she never sees
She shares them with a few trusted friends
Tainted memories of her handsome boy
She?ll love 'til the end

*B.U.- (Like he loves his Southern whiskey)

She moved away without a trace
When Sonny last served time
The pain has faded from her face
But it kills her inside
When she cries

Bye?.. Bye Sonny??..
I didn?t know what else to do
Bye?.. Bye Sonny??..
I still pray for you
I will always pray for you