Meaning of "Didn't We Shine" by Randy Travis

"Didn't We Shine" delves into the theme of nostalgia and the pain of lost love. The narrator is clearly haunted by the memories of a past relationship and is desperately seeking solace by resurrecting remnants of that love. Through the act of digging up bones, both metaphorically and possibly literally, the narrator is attempting to bring the love back to life, even though deep down they know it is futile. The act of talking to a picture, reading old love letters, and wearing the wedding ring illustrate the desperation to relive the happiness and connection they once shared. The mention of the negligee highlights the physical aspect of the relationship, further emphasizing the longing for past intimacy. However, the repetition of phrases like "diggin' up bones" and "resurrecting memories" also suggests that the narrator is conscious of the futility of their actions. By using the motif of digging up bones, which typically symbolize death and decay, the lyrics highlight the impossibility of reviving something that has already passed. The overall tone of the song is one of melancholy and longing, as the narrator finds themselves "settlin' alone" in their attempts to resurrect a love that is now dead and gone.