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Rockets In My Boots, Volume II is Francine Honey’s journey through life's messy middle ground, overcoming personal demons, and self-rebuilding. The deeply personal lyrics and rich storytelling promise a moving and relatable experience.
The album opens with “Come Down,” a cinematic track calling listeners to explore deeper layers within themselves. The ethereal moonscape and water imagery serve as a metaphor for self-examination. Honey sings, "Cleanse my sins or drink me in, I need to know why the river chose me," echoing themes of destiny, faith, and salvation. Honey states, “This album is about the mess my life was, the struggle, and the un-doing of myself.”
“I Wish” deals with being blind-sided when her husband left due to mental illness. Moving forward as a single parent, the song tells of struggles and the lament that you can’t change the past. Yet, a parent’s wish is that “Mammas Take Bad Dreams Away.”
Honey's biggest joy in life is being a mother. This leads into "Space," where she ponders, "Should I turn left or right? What of the dreams I have at night?" As a busy working mother, Honey realized she needed time for herself and started a gratitude journal, giving herself "Space to see" and "Space to be."
"Snowflakes on my Eyelashes" reflects signs received from above, affirming we aren't alone. Despite wearing glasses, two snowflakes landed on her eyelashes while visiting her Grandmother's grave, which she believes are "kisses from you falling from heaven." Her mentor, Beth Nielsen Chapman, sings background vocals on the track.
The lead single, “Inside Out,” delves into Honey's battle with body image and feeling "enough." It segues into “Let the Wind,” a decade-long project addressing her personal journey of faith and forgiveness, featuring Crystal singing bowls for healing. “I Carry On,” co-written with Robert Gray, celebrates resilience and gratitude for life's supporters. “It seemed as though, when I had only $3.17 in the bank, a cheque or work bonus would appear," Honey says.
Love remained elusive for Honey. Despite rebuilding her life, her search for “The Perfect Man” was again found only in her dreams. Relationships often revealed her kindness was exploited, lamented in "Gravy Train."
Honey eventually gave up on love, went on a “man diet,” and focused on her music. She reconnected with friends and family, as reflected in the next three tracks. In "One Big Party," Honey finds joy in reconnecting with old friends. Written with Fabio Ingratta, "What Really Counts" highlights her rediscovering childlike fun. Her girlfriends remained a constant support, celebrated in "Girls' Weekend," written with Patti Dixon.
The final track, "Unfinished Business," inspired by Francine's dream of timeless love in a mystical canyon, extends from the past into the future. For Honey, this enduring love must wait until "Another lifetime may come along," ending with a unique soundscape, leaving listeners to wonder about the future of the Rockets in My Boots Trilogy. Honey’s life story in song took 6 years and 9 live-off-the-floor recording sessions in Nashville, Tennessee, with Grammy-nominated Producer Neilson Hubbard at Skinny Elephant Recording Studios.