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.
Eighteen 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
Though you belong to another I love you anyway
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 first verse of "Eighteen Yellow Roses" describes the delivery of eighteen yellow roses to the singer’s door, which she receives from a boy she didn't recognize. She opens the accompanying card to read that they come from someone who loves her, who knows that she belongs to another, but still loves her anyway. The second verse describes the betrayal of the relationship with the flowers as evidence of an affair, and declares that the love of a father will not wilt and die like the flowers, insinuating that the relationship is over. The final verse contemplates the future of the relationship, with the singer asking to meet the boy responsible for the delivery and whether he plans to buy a ring, while also emphasizing that the father’s love will never fade away.
The song is essentially about betrayal, which is clear from the second verse, where we understand the intent behind the flowers being sent. The singer has been led to believe that she is in a committed and faithful relationship, but the flowers demonstrate that it is not the case. The contrast between the declining flowers and the unrelenting love of a father creates a dramatic effect, highlighting the impermanence of romantic relationships compared with a paternal love that remains constant through time.
Line by Line Meaning
Eighteen yellow roses came today
Today, I received a bouquet of 18 yellow roses
Eighteen yellow roses in a pretty bouquet
The bouquet of yellow roses contained 18 roses and was attractive
When the boy came to the door
Someone, who may be a delivery person, arrived at the door
I didn't know what to say
I was unsure what to say or how to react to the delivery
But eighteen yellow roses came today
However, I still received the bouquet of 18 yellow roses
I opened up the card to see what it said
I looked inside the card to read its message
I couldn't believe my eyes when I had read
I was in disbelief after reading the message
Though you belong to another I love you anyway
Despite you being in a relationship with someone else, I still love you
Yes, eighteen yellow roses came today
So once again, I received a bouquet of 18 yellow roses
I never doubted your love for a minute
I always had confidence in your love for me
I always thought that you would be true
I believed that you would always be faithful to me
But now this box and the flowers in it
However, now there is a box with flowers in it in front of me
I guess there's nothin' left for me to do
I think there is nothing left for me to say or do
But ask to meet the boy that's done this thing
The only thing I can do at this point is ask to meet the person who sent the flowers
And find out if he's got plans to buy you a ring
I want to know if this person intends to propose to you
'Cause eighteen yellow roses will wilt and die one day
The bouquet of 18 yellow roses will eventually die and wilt away
But a father's love will never fade away
However, a father's love for his child will never disappear
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