Darin was a very special and talented entertainer. He was a Grammy award winning singer ('Mack The Knife'), a respected member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ('Dream Lover', 'Splish Splash', 'If I Were A Carpenter') a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a successful record producer, an Oscar nominated actor and a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. Bobby was married to actress Sandra Dee from 1960-1967. They had one son, Dodd, born in December 1961. As a result of complications from a rheumatic heart, Bobby's life was tragically cut short in 1973.
Darin's mother, Vanina Cassotto, had given birth to him when she was 16, and as a result, her parents raised Darin as though he were their son while Vanina was presented off as his elder sister. Darin did not learn the truth about his parentage until he was 32.
For more on Bobby Darin, watch "Beyond the Sea," in which Kevin Spacey portrays the entertainer.
18 Yellow Roses
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Eighteen yellow roses in a pretty bouquet
When the boy came to the door
I didn't know what to say
But eighteen yellow roses came today
I opened up the card to see what it said
I couldn't believe my eyes
When I had read
Yes eighteen yellow roses came today
I never doubted your love for a minute
I always thought that you would be true
But now this box and the flowers in it
I guess there's nothin' left for me to do
But ask to meet the boy that's done this thing
And find out if he's got plans to buy you a ring
'Cause eighteen yellow roses will wilt and die one day
But a father's love will never fade away
Will never fade away
The lyrics in Bobby Darin's song "18 Yellow Roses" tell the story of a man who receives a bouquet of 18 yellow roses at his doorstep. Upon opening the card, he discovers that they are from someone who loves him, even though he belongs to someone else. The man is unsure of what to do or say, but he admits that he never doubted his partner's love for him. He is heartbroken when he realizes that there is nothing left for him to do but meet the man who sent the flowers and find out if he has intentions of buying her a ring. The lyrics remind us of the transience of material gifts, but the lasting nature of a father's love.
The song explores themes of love, loyalty, and heartbreak, as well as the delicate balance between desire and commitment. The man in the song is caught between his desire for his partner, and his loyalty to the person he is committed to. The symbolism of the 18 yellow roses is also significant, as yellow roses traditionally represent friendship, joy, and new beginnings. However, in this context, they also represent the fragility of relationships, and the inevitability of their decline.
Line by Line Meaning
Eighteen yellow roses came today
A total of eighteen yellow roses were delivered today
Eighteen yellow roses in a pretty bouquet
These roses are arranged beautifully in a bouquet
When the boy came to the door
A boy delivered these flowers
I didn't know what to say
The recipient was at a loss of words upon receiving the flowers
But eighteen yellow roses came today
Despite being speechless, the recipient is noting the number of roses they received
I opened up the card to see what it said
The recipient looked inside the accompanying card
I couldn't believe my eyes
The recipient was in disbelief about what they were reading
When I had read
After the card had been read
Though you belong to another I love you anyway
The sender of the flowers admits they know the recipient is in a relationship but still has feelings for them
Yes eighteen yellow roses came today
Reiteration of the amount and color of the flowers received
I never doubted your love for a minute
The recipient believed their partner loved them unconditionally
I always thought that you would be true
The recipient had been confident in the loyalty of their partner
But now this box and the flowers in it
The flowers and their delivery have now cast doubts on their partner's fidelity
I guess there's nothin' left for me to do
The recipient feels that there is no course of action left for them to take
But ask to meet the boy that's done this thing
They will inquire about the delivery person's intentions with their partner
And find out if he's got plans to buy you a ring
The recipient wants to know if their partner intends to propose
'Cause eighteen yellow roses will wilt and die one day
The recipient is unsure of the longevity of their current relationship due to the delivery of the flowers
But a father's love will never fade away
The recipient's father's love is unconditional and will endure beyond any romantic relationship
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOBBY DARIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Wolfhoundersful
Eighteen yellow roses came today
Eighteen yellow roses in a pretty bouquet
When the boy came to the door
I didn't know what to say
But eighteen yellow roses came today
I opened up the card
To see what it said
I couldn't believe my eyes
When I had read
Though you belong to another
I love you anyway
Yes eighteen yellow roses came today
I never doubted your love for a minute
I always thought that you would be true
But now this box and the flowers in it
I guess there's nothing left for me to do
But ask to meet the boy
That's done this thing
And find out if he's got plans
To buy you a ring
Cuz eighteen yellow roses
Will wilt and die one day
But a fathers love, will never fade away
Will never fade away
@brucei8767
I sang this song at my oldest daughter's wedding. Never got through it EVER without crying.
@Montealto09
One of my most precious memories of my childhood is of my Dad dancing in our living room to this song with me in his arms, when I was a little girl. I remember him singing along and smiling as we danced.
When I got a few years older I used to stand on his feet instead, as he danced with me. He's been gone for 36 years now, but I still miss him just as much today, as I did when he passed.
Love you Dad. ❤
@MarioMartinez-rs8uv
I love this melody with all my heart.
@deejaysilver9
"But a father's love will never fade away..."
Just another reason to love this song.
@oldermusiclover
very true
@Patienthost
My father left this record to my mother, he took off for good, found 2 weeks later shot in his car. I was 2-years-old, only daughter. My 2 brothers, were age 3 & 1.
@sydneywest7962
One of the great song of my time just loveits
@patriciasoebagio1035
Here come the tears already...
bless your heart & soul, Mr Bobby Darin
@williamhealy2401
❤ this is to my 2 beautiful daughters it's a song to his daughter it's a beautiful song I only heard last night for the first time last night, and I have loved Bobby Darin for over 60 years.
@patriciasoebagio1035
Some treasures take a longer time to discover, but that just makes them all the more precious.This is one of his most cherished, imho