Buttons and Bows
Eddie Fisher Lyrics


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East is east and west is west
And the wrong one I have chose
Let's go where I'll keep on wearin'
Those frills and flowers and buttons and bows
Rings and things and buttons and bows

Don't bury me in this prairie
Take me where the cement grows
Let's move down to some big town
Where they love a gal by the cut of her clothes
And I'll stand out in buttons and bows

I'll love you in buckskin
Or skirts that I've homespun
But I'll love you longer, stronger where
Your friends don't tote a gun

My bones denounce the buckboard bounce
And the cactus hurts my toes
Let's vamoose where gals keep usin'
Those silks and satins and linen that shows
And I'm all yours in buttons and bows

My bones denounce the buckboard bounce
And the cactus hurts my toes
Let's vamoose where gals keep usin'
Those silks and satins and linen that shows
And I'm all yours in buttons and bows

Gimme eastern trimmin' where women are women
In high silk hose and peek-a-boo clothes
And French perfume that rocks the room




And I'm all yours in buttons and bows
Buttons and bows, buttons and bows

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Eddie Fisher's song "Buttons and Bows" depict a longing for a different lifestyle and a desire to escape the mundane and rustic. The opening lines, "East is east and west is west, and the wrong one I have chose," indicate a sense of dissatisfaction with the current situation. The singer longs to be in a place where they can indulge in feminine adornments like frills, flowers, buttons, and bows, which symbolize a more glamorous and refined lifestyle. They yearn for a city where they can stand out and be appreciated for their fashion choices, as opposed to being buried in the prairie.


The lyrics further emphasize the desire for a change by mentioning the discomfort of their current environment. The cactus hurting their toes and the buckboard bounce represents the physical inconveniences of rural life. They seek a city where women wear luxurious fabrics like silks, satins, and linen. The mention of "buckskin" and "homespun" in comparison to the fine garments highlights the stark contrast between their current reality and the desired world of elegance.


There is also an indication of the importance of social status and the desire to be amongst people who appreciate style and sophistication. The mention of friends who "don't tote a gun" suggests that the singer wishes to be in a place where refinement and grace are valued rather than raw masculinity.


Overall, "Buttons and Bows" portrays a yearning for a more glamorous and refined lifestyle, a desire to escape the rustic and mundane, and a longing to be appreciated for one's fashion choices in a sophisticated city.


Line by Line Meaning

East is east and west is west
There are clear differences between different places and cultures


And the wrong one I have chose
I made a mistake in choosing the wrong place


Let's go where I'll keep on wearin'
I want to go to a place where I can continue to wear


Those frills and flowers and buttons and bows
Beautiful decorative clothing accessories such as frills, flowers, buttons, and bows


Rings and things and buttons and bows
Various ornaments and decorations like rings, accessories, buttons, and bows


Don't bury me in this prairie
I don't want to be stuck in this plain, boring place


Take me where the cement grows
Bring me to a bustling city where development and progress are happening


Let's move down to some big town
Let's relocate to a larger, more exciting city


Where they love a gal by the cut of her clothes
In a place where people appreciate a woman based on her fashionable attire


And I'll stand out in buttons and bows
I will be noticed and admired for my stylish and unique clothing accessories


I'll love you in buckskin
I will love you even if you wear rough, rustic clothing like buckskin


Or skirts that I've homespun
Even if you wear simple, homemade skirts


But I'll love you longer, stronger where
However, my love for you will endure and grow stronger in a place


Your friends don't tote a gun
Where your friends don't carry weapons or engage in violence


My bones denounce the buckboard bounce
I dislike the jarring motion of traveling in a horse-drawn carriage


And the cactus hurts my toes
The prickly cactus plants cause discomfort and pain to my feet


Let's vamoose where gals keep usin'
Let's escape to a place where women continue to wear


Those silks and satins and linen that shows
Luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and linen that are visible and attractive


And I'm all yours in buttons and bows
I belong to you completely, and I express my uniqueness through fashionable accessories


Gimme eastern trimmin' where women are women
Give me the elegant adornments common in the East, where women embrace their femininity


In high silk hose and peek-a-boo clothes
Wearing fancy silk stockings and revealing, flirty clothing


And French perfume that rocks the room
Using high-quality French perfume that fills the room with a delightful fragrance


And I'm all yours in buttons and bows
And I am completely devoted to you while expressing my individuality through stylish accessories


Buttons and bows, buttons and bows
Repetition emphasizing the importance of the decorative clothing elements




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jay Livingston, Ray Evans

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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