Souvenirs
Barbara Evans Lyrics


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Souvenirs, souvenirs mean a lot to me
I collect them all so carefully

Got a lock of Ricky's hair from his barber shop
Got The Platters' autographs at a record hop
I got a handkerchief from Bobby Darin's coat
Even got a note Jimmy Dean once wrote
Souvenirs, souvenirs - I collect them, you see
But the one I love the most is the ring you gave to me

I got a broken string from Duane's guitar
Even got a hubcap from Fabian's car

Got the label from sweater Frankie Avalon wears
Got a photograph of Elvis with his Teddy Bears

Here's a coffe cup Neil Sedaka used
And a broken lace from Pat's white shoes





Souvenirs, souvenirs - I collect them, you see
But the one I love the most is the ring you gave to me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Barbara Evans's song Souvenirs speaks to the sentimentality of collecting mementos to remember and immortalize cherished memories or people. The song is an embodiment of nostalgia, as the singer in the song recounts with care and diligence collecting different keepsakes, from Ricky's hair, to The Platters' autograph, a handkerchief from Bobby Darin's coat, to a note that Jimmy Dean once wrote. These are all mementos of people or events that are significant to the singer, providing a form of comfort and solace.


The chorus of the song extols the value of these souvenirs to the singer, who expresses an ardent desire to keep collecting them, but the one that is most valuable is the ring given to the singer by someone they obviously cherish deeply. This statement shows that even though physical objects can provide a tangible connection to a past memory or event, it is the emotional connections that serve as the strongest bonds.


Line by Line Meaning

Souvenirs, souvenirs mean a lot to me
Memories and keepsakes hold a significant place in my heart.


I collect them all so carefully
I am very attentive in acquiring these treasures and take good care of them.


Got a lock of Ricky's hair from his barber shop
I have a lock of hair from Ricky that I obtained from his barber's shop.


Got The Platters' autographs at a record hop
I acquired autographs from The Platters while attending a record hop event.


I got a handkerchief from Bobby Darin's coat
I possess a handkerchief that once belonged to Bobby Darin and was in his coat.


Even got a note Jimmy Dean once wrote
I managed to get a note that Jimmy Dean himself had penned.


But the one I love the most is the ring you gave to me
Although I cherish all these items, the most valuable and loved one to me is the ring you gifted.


I got a broken string from Duane's guitar
I own a broken guitar string that once belonged to Duane.


Even got a hubcap from Fabian's car
I was fortunate enough to obtain a hubcap from Fabian's car.


Got the label from sweater Frankie Avalon wears
I possess the label from the famous sweater that Frankie Avalon wore.


Got a photograph of Elvis with his Teddy Bears
I have a photograph of Elvis with his beloved Teddy Bears.


Here's a coffe cup Neil Sedaka used
I own a coffee cup that Neil Sedaka himself used in the past.


And a broken lace from Pat's white shoes
I have a broken lace from the white shoes that Pat wore.


But the one I love the most is the ring you gave to me
Despite all the treasured and unique items, the most significant and valuable one to me is still the ring you lovingly presented.




Writer(s): Cy Coben

Contributed by Madelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Frankie C

Sounds great! Super "list" song. I remember it from the spring of `59 but it never sounded this good!

Tiger Rogers

Thanks for listening Wynonie! I'm glad you know the song - not many do! This early period of stereo (1958 - 1961) produced some of the best stereo ever, & this is one of the best examples. I've just fixed up a few minor flaws & added a bit of sheen to the song. Cheers Tiger.

Anni

Brings memories back to me. Thanks for posting.

Tiger Rogers

Thanks for listening Anja! I'm glad you know this one! Cheers Tiger.

wwxxab

Cy Coben wrote a lot of wonderful songs that made it onto 45 rpm records. One that comes to mind is Jim Reeves' "If you were mine".

Beatles❤Girl

Wow, I don't remember this one Tiger ~ sounds great!

Tiger Rogers

Thanks for listening Karen! Have a great week, Cheers Tiger.

Carol's Oldies/Soul

Really enjoying this tune, Tiger. Nice video too! Best wishes, Carol

Tiger Rogers

Thanks Carol ! I know this response is late, but glad you enjoyed!!! Cheers Tiger.

patrick buhour

C ETAIS ÇA LES JOYEUSES ANNEES 60 !!!! DE CETTE MAGNIFIQUECHANTEUSE !!!!! SUPERBE VERSION !!! AUSSI BONNE QUE CELLE DE MON JOJO !!!!!!

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