After a brief spell in the US Army, Vinton was signed to Epic Records in 1960 as a bandleader: "A Young Man With a Big Band." Two albums and several singles were not successful however, and with Epic ready to pull the plug, Vinton found his first hit single literally sitting in a reject pile. The song was titled "Roses Are Red (My Love)." It spent four weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Arguably, his most famous song is 1963's "Blue Velvet" that also went to No.1. 23 years later, David Lynch named his movie Blue Velvet after the song. In 1964, Vinton had two #1 hits, "There! I've Said It Again" and "Mr. Lonely", the latter now being the basis for Akon's hit "Lonely."
In the 1970s, the "Polish Prince" continued to hit the Top 40, notably with "Ev'ry Day of My Life" and "Sealed With a Kiss" in 1972. That same year, Epic Records decided to end its relationship with Vinton and ended his recording contract. Undeterred, Vinton spent $50,000 of his own money on a self-written song sung partially in Polish: "My Melody of Love." After Vinton was turned down by 7 major labels, ABC Records bought Vinton's idea, and the result was a multi-million selling single that hit #1 on the AC charts in 1974. A gold album, Melodies of Love, followed as well as a successful half-hour variety show "The Bobby Vinton Show" (which aired from 1975 to 1978). He also starred in two John Wayne movies: Big Jake and The Train Robbers.
In the course of his career, Vinton has sold over 75 million records (singles, albums, compilation inclusions, etc) and is still performing on tour and at the Bobby Vinton Blue Velvet Theatre in Branson, Missouri.
It's A Sin To Tell A Lie
Bobby Vinton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a sin to tell a lie
Millions of hearts have been broken
Just because these words were spoken
I love you, yes I do, I love you
If you break my heart, I'll die
So, be sure it's true when you say, "I love you"
Well, cross my heart and I hope to die
I'll never, never, never tell another white lie
Took a little doll out on a date last night
Next to her, Gravel Gertie would have looked alright
Now, I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea
'Cause I said, "Baby, you look good to me"
I told her I loved her but, oh, how I lied
And now, she's gettin' set to be my blushin' bride
If she leads me to the altar, then I'm sunk
'Cause I can't tell the preacher I was drunk
So, Lord have mercy on a no-'count sinner
Give me one more chance to let another guy win her
Cross my heart and I hope to die
I'll never, never, never tell another white lie
Be sure it's true when you say, "I love you"
If you break my heart, I'll die
So, be sure it's true when you say, "I love you"
It's a sin to tell a lie
It's a sin to tell a lie
The lyrics to Bobby Vinton's song "It's A Sin To Tell A Lie" warn listeners about the consequences of dishonesty in love. Vinton opens the song by advising listeners to be certain of their feelings before professing love because millions of hearts have been broken due to insincerity. The song's chorus reinforces this idea that lying about emotions is a moral transgression, and that those who break hearts with false declarations of love are committing a sin. Vinton's haunting reminder that it's a sin to lie about love is a warning to listeners not to take love lightly or use it as a tool to manipulate others.
The second half of the song recounts a personal experience of the singer, who tells the story of taking a woman on a date and lying to her about loving her. He describes her as unattractive but agrees to marry her to avoid shame and humiliation. He regrets the lie and fears his deceit will be exposed in front of the preacher on their wedding day. He prays for a second chance and promises never to lie again.
Overall, "It's A Sin To Tell A Lie" conveys the idea that love should be authentic and not used to deceive or manipulate others. The song's message is a powerful reminder to listeners that honesty and sincerity in love are essential for building and maintaing a healthy and lasting relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Be sure it's true when you say, "I love you"
When you express your love to someone, make sure it's genuine and true, since false expressions can lead to disappointment and heartbreak.
It's a sin to tell a lie
Telling a lie, especially when it comes to professing love or making promises, is morally wrong and can have serious consequences.
Millions of hearts have been broken
False expressions of love have led to countless broken hearts and ruined relationships.
Just because these words were spoken
Even though "I love you" seems like a harmless phrase, when it is insincere or untrue, it can have devastating effects on people.
If you break my heart, I'll die
When someone falsely professes love and then breaks your heart, the pain can feel unbearable and even life-threatening.
Well, cross my heart and I hope to die
Swearing by one's own life is a sign of utmost sincerity when making a promise or expressing a commitment.
I'll never, never, never tell another white lie
White lies may seem harmless, but they can sometimes conceal the truth and hurt others in the long run. The singer promises to never tell another such lie.
Took a little doll out on a date last night
The artist went out with a woman they find attractive.
Next to her, Gravel Gertie would have looked alright
The woman's attractiveness is emphasized by comparing her favorably to someone who is unattractive.
Now, I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea
The artist finds themselves in a difficult situation where any decision they make will have negative consequences.
'Cause I said, "Baby, you look good to me"
The singer falsely expressed admiration for the woman, leading her to believe that the singer is interested in her romantically.
I told her I loved her but, oh, how I lied
The artist falsely expressed their love for the woman, which could lead to heartbreak for both parties involved.
And now, she's gettin' set to be my blushin' bride
The woman is preparing herself to be married to the singer, who has misled her about his true feelings.
If she leads me to the altar, then I'm sunk
If the woman agrees to marry the singer, then the singer is in big trouble as he has lied to her and is not ready for a real commitment.
'Cause I can't tell the preacher I was drunk
The singer knows that he cannot use alcohol as an excuse for his mistakes, particularly in front of a clergyman.
So, Lord have mercy on a no-'count sinner
The artist asks for forgiveness as they know they have committed a serious moral mistake.
Give me one more chance to let another guy win her
The artist acknowledges that they are not the right partner for the woman and asks for another chance to let someone else win her heart.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Mayhew
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CarlDuke
Best version of this song I have ever heard. I really think Vinton is a very under appreciated talent. I saw a PBS special several years ago and was surprised to find out who his favorite singer of all time was-----------Al Jolson.
@Corrie121
Haven't heard this rendition before, but I think it is fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
@lindaweaverclarke
I grew up listening to this song by Bobby Vinton. I absolutely love it. I like the fun beat and it makes me laugh.
@CarlDuke
Bobby does this song as well as anyone, and as well as he sings any song at all.
@ozziebenson48
Would love to have heard him sing this as a slow ballad.
@supah1337B
Happy happy, love this version. Ink spots are still my fav. :)
@francisalanwormald6328
AT82 a ditty I love to hear by many...including OUR Bobby!!!
@michaelwhite537
My friend of 25 years liked this song a lot especially about the part of getting married
@Denon1970
Very nice voice have Bobby, from Spain a fan.
@Oldiesmann
Great rendition, but my favorite is still the one by Somethin' Smith and The Redheads.