In 1957 while still in high school, Tillotson was making records and performing on stage; as a student at the University of Florida, he had his own musical variety show on regional television. Following graduation in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications, he signed with Cadence Records and moved to New York City to pursue his music career. In 1960, he recorded his first hit, a composition entitled "Poetry in Motion" (written by Anthony/Kaufman), that went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.
A "crossover" artist, several of Tillotson's songs were successful on both the country music charts and pop charts. He earned a Grammy Award nomination for another of his own compositions, "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin," and also for the song "Heartaches by the Number," nominated for Best Vocal Performance of 1965. He also appeared in the 1963 film "Just for Fun" and sang the theme song for the 1965 Sally Field television comedy "Gidget".
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Tillotson has recorded 26 singles that made it onto Billboard's charts, and performed at venues across the United States and other places around the globe.
He was featured in the 1966 camp comedy The Fat Spy starring Jayne Mansfield, Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jordan Christopher & the Wild Ones. This film was featured in the 2004 documentary The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made (#46).
Red Roses For A Blue Lady
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics
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Writers Sid Tepper, Roy Bennett
I want some red roses for a blue lady Mister florist take my order please We had a silly quarrel the other day I hope these pretty flowers chase her blues away I want some red roses for a blue lady Send them to the sweetest gal in town And if they do the trick, I'll hurry back to pick Your best white orchid for her wedding gown (I want some red roses for a blue lady) We had a silly quarrel the other day I hope these pretty flowers chase her blues away I want some red roses for a blue, blue lady Send them to the sweetest gal in town And if they do the trick, I'll hurry back to pick Your best white orchid for her wedding gown Your best white orchid for her wedding gown
The song "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" by Johnny Tillotson talks about a quarrel between two people, and the singer hopes to make amends by sending his lover some red roses. He implores a florist to take his order for the flowers, which he hopes will chase away his lover's "blues." The singer then sends the roses to the sweetest girl in town, with the hope that they will do the trick and make her happy again. He even goes so far as to say that if they do work, he will come back and buy the best white orchid for her wedding gown.
The lyrics have a sense of urgency, as if the singer is desperate to make things right with his lover. The use of humor at the end with the mention of the wedding gown suggests that the quarrel was not too serious, and the couple will soon reconcile, but it also hints at a deeper commitment between the two. The song, therefore, can be interpreted as a plea to fix a relationship quickly before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
I want some red roses for a blue lady
I wish to purchase a bouquet of red roses for a woman who is feeling sad
Mister florist take my order please
Sir, as a florist, I kindly request that you take my request for red roses
We had a silly quarrel the other day
We recently had a minor disagreement
I hope these pretty flowers chase her blues away
I pray that this lovely arrangement will lift her spirits and ease her sorrows
Send them to the sweetest gal in town
Please have this bouquet delivered to the most charming and lovely woman residing here
And if they do the trick, I'll hurry back to pick
If these flowers fulfill their purpose, I shall promptly return for another purchase
Your best white orchid for her wedding gown
Upon the happy outcome of our quarrel, I will seek your finest white orchid for her bridal ensemble
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Roy C. Bennett, Sid Tepper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind