Scarlet Ribbons
Jo Stafford Lyrics
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When I heard my child in prayer.
She said, "And for me some scarlet ribbons,
Scarlet ribbons for my hair."
All the stores were closed and shuttered,
And all the streets were dark and bare.
In our town, no scarlet ribbons,
Through the night my heart was aching.
And just before the dawn was breaking,
I peeked in and on her bed,
In gay profusion lying there,
Lovely ribbons, scarlet ribbons.
Scarlet ribbons for her hair.
If I live to be a hundred,
I will never, never know from where,
Came those lovely scarlet ribbons,
Scarlet Ribbons for her hair.
Scarlet ribbons, there's magic in the air.
Scarlet, scarlet ribbons for her hair.
Jo Stafford's song Scarlet Ribbons tells the story of a young girl who wishes for a beautiful adornment for her hair. When her father goes to purchase the ribbon for her, he discovers that all the stores are closed and there are no scarlet ribbons to be found. He returns home with a heavy heart, knowing he has disappointed his daughter. Throughout the night, he worries and his heart aches. However, when he checks on her in the morning, he discovers that the scarlet ribbons he couldn't find were now lying in gay profusion on her bed. The song is a reflection on the mysterious, inexplicable ways of the universe and the power of hope.
The lyrics of this song are notable for their vivid imagery, drawing attention to the dark and barren streets of the town, as well as the stunning display of scarlet ribbons on the girl’s bed. The father’s inner turmoil and emotions are also captured beautifully in the lyrics, which give listeners a glimpse into his heartache, worry, and ultimately his wonder at the miracle of the ribbons’ appearance.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I peeked in to say goodnight,
I entered my child's room to bid goodnight.
When I heard my child in prayer.
While entering, I heard my child praying.
She said, 'And for me some scarlet ribbons, Scarlet ribbons for my hair.'
My child requested for scarlet ribbons to be used on her hair.
All the stores were closed and shuttered, And all the streets were dark and bare.
I went outside to look for scarlet ribbons but all of them were unavailable due to the stores being closed and streets being empty.
In our town, no scarlet ribbons, Not one ribbon for her hair.
No scarlet ribbons were available in our town which I could use on my child's hair.
Through the night my heart was aching.
I couldn't sleep and my heart was filled with sadness due to being unable to fulfill my child's wish.
And just before the dawn was breaking, I peeked in and on her bed,
Before dawn, I checked my child's bed.
In gay profusion lying there, Lovely ribbons, scarlet ribbons.
I found lovely scarlet ribbons on my child's bed.
Scarlet ribbons for her hair.
Scarlet ribbons were present for me to fulfill my child's wish.
If I live to be a hundred, I will never, never know from where, Came those lovely scarlet ribbons, Scarlet Ribbons for her hair.
I will never be able to know how the scarlet ribbons got there but I am just grateful that they were present.
Scarlet ribbons, there's magic in the air.
The presence of scarlet ribbons fills the air with magic.
Scarlet, scarlet ribbons for her hair.
The song ends with a repetition of the line where the child requested for scarlet ribbons to be on her hair.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EVELYN DANZIG, JACK SEGAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Craterfist
This is what voices sounded like without autotune. I'm honored to be able to hear the voice of such a beautiful woman.
amberdawn444
I'm glad to have found the original version! I grew up with my mom singing this to me as a lullaby (in the 90's!)
Simon Lillington
My mum used to sing it to me in the 60's
Shan De Vera
I really love jo stafford's songs since my childhood, her voice, too!
Classic Yeah
One of the great songs from the past, Jo was one the best, never again will there by another Ms.Stafford.
Grey Locks
Best version of this song ever. How lucky we are to have this voice forever by us!
Lorenaa 86
This song I love makes me fall asleep, I love the singer's voice has a sweet voice as if someone loved to caress you.
Larry Luckjohn
Always loved this song ! Jo Stafford sang a lot of wonderful songs !!
Duane Pajak
Awesome song and voice! Jo Stafford was the best of a good lot in the '40s and '50s. We are blessed to have her songs available in the 2000s.
Garry Willard
If you haven't heard it listen to Harry Belafonte's emotionally charged down tempo version, the only version I'd heard until today! A masterpiece!