Alice Blue Gown
Ann and Kate McGarrigle Lyrics

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In my sweet little Alice blue gown.
When I first wandered down into town
I was both proud and shy,
As I felt every eye.
And in every shop window
I'd primp, passing by.
At all manner of fashion I'd frown,
And the world seemed to smile all around.

Till it wilted, I wore it.
I'll always adore it;
My sweet little Alice blue gown.
At all manner of fashion I'd frown,
And the world seemed to smile all around.
Till it wilted, I wore it.

I'll always adore it;
My sweet little Alice blue gown.

Overall Meaning

The song "Alice Blue Gown" is a nostalgic and wistful tune about a woman reminiscing on the fond memories of her youth when she first wore her beloved "Alice blue gown." Alice blue was a tint of blue that was popular in the early 20th century, and was named after Alice Roosevelt, the eldest daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, who wore a gown of that color to her father's inauguration in 1905.

The song, written by Joseph McCarthy and Harry Tierney, captures the excitement and innocence of the singer's younger days as she walked through town, feeling both proud and shy in her blue Alice gown. The lyrics suggest that she was a bit of a fashionista, as she would primp in front of shop windows and frown at other fashions passing by, yet the world seemed to be smiling at her when she was wearing her Alice blue gown. The gown became a treasured symbol of her youth, something that she continued to adore even as it wilted with age.

The song has a sentimental and wistful tone, evoking a sense of longing for a bygone era. It reflects on the value of cherished memories and the beauty and importance of youthfulness. The lyrics are simple yet poignant and paint a vivid picture of a young woman enamored with her blue dress.

Line by Line Meaning

In my sweet little Alice blue gown.
Wearing my darling dress made of a delicate blue hue.

When I first wandered down into town
The initial time I strolled around the city.

I was both proud and shy,
Simultaneously timid and confident I felt.

As I felt every eye.
I sensed the gazes of every single passersby.

And in every shop window
I glanced at my reflection in windows of every store.

I'd primp, passing by.
I'd freshen up by a simple gesture while walking by.

Till it wilted, I wore it.
I kept wearing it till it lost its form and texture.

I'll always adore it;
I'll cherish it forever.

My sweet little Alice blue gown.
My pleasant and lovely dress of blue that I adore.

At all manner of fashion I'd frown,
I scowled at all styles of fashion.

And the world seemed to smile all around.
Despite my disapproval, the world still looked up with joy.