Baldwin was born in Evanston, Illinois, and graduated from Northwestern University's theatre program in 1997.
Baldwin has appeared in several Broadway productions, including her debut in The Full Monty (2000), Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002), and Wonderful Town (2003). She performs frequently in regional theater, including South Pacific as Nellie Forbush (receiving a Helen Hayes Award nomination) at Arena Stage in Washington, DC (2002); The Sound of Music as Maria (2005) and The Music Man as Marian Paroo (2009), both at The Muny, St. Louis, Missouri) and A Little Night Music as Countess Charlotte at Centre Stage, Baltimore, Maryland, in March 2008.
She played the role of Sharon in the 2009 Encores! staged concert production of Finian's Rainbow. The New York Times critic Charles Isherwood praised her performance, writing that she sang the role "beautifully... her rich, pure soprano riding the crests of the melodies with ease", most notably in the "famous wistful ballad 'How Are Things in Glocca Morra?'" and called her a "discovery". She is repeating the role as Sharon in the Broadway revial of Finian's Rainbow at the St. James Theatre beginning October 8, 2009.
Baldwin is working on her first solo album, Let's See What Happens, consisting of songs written by Burton Lane and E. Y. Harburg.
She married fellow actor Graham Rowat on October 2, 2005.
Ribbons Down My Back
Kate Baldwin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blue and green and streaming in the yellow sky
So if someone special comes my way this summer
He might notice me passing by
And so I'll try to make it easier to find me
In the silliness of July
Because a breeze might stir a rainbow up behind me
And he might smile and take me by the hand this summer
Making me recall how lovely love can be
And so I will proudly wear
Ribbons down my back
Shining in my hair
That he might notice me
And so I will proudly wear
Ribbons down my back
Shining in my hair
That he might notice me
In Kate Baldwin's song "Ribbons Down My Back," the lyrics describe the anticipation and hope of finding love during the summer season. The singer expresses her intention to wear ribbons in her hair as a way to stand out and catch the attention of a potential suitor. The colorful ribbons, in shades of blue and green, symbolize her desire to be noticed and admired.
The singer believes that by adorning herself with these ribbons, she will make herself more visible and approachable. She hopes that the man she desires will notice her as she passes by, and maybe even take her hand in a gesture of affection. The lyrics suggest that this summer romance will remind her of the beauty and joy that love can bring.
The imagery of a rainbow adds an element of surprise and magic to the song. The singer believes that, just like a breeze stirring up a rainbow, fate may intervene and bring her and the gentleman together. This highlights her optimism and readiness to embrace the unexpected.
The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment as well. By proudly wearing ribbons down her back and shining in her hair, the singer takes control of her own destiny. She actively seeks the attention and affection she desires instead of waiting for it to come to her. Overall, the song captures the excitement, anticipation, and hope that accompany the search for love during the summer.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be wearing ribbons down my back this summer
I will adorn my hair with colorful ribbons during the summer
Blue and green and streaming in the yellow sky
The ribbons will consist of vibrant blue and green colors, flowing gracefully in the clear summer sky
So if someone special comes my way this summer
If a significant person crosses my path during this season
He might notice me passing by
There is a chance that he will observe me as I go by
And so I'll try to make it easier to find me
I will make an effort to be more noticeable and accessible
In the silliness of July
Within the lightheartedness and playfulness of the month of July
Because a breeze might stir a rainbow up behind me
As the wind gently blows, it may create a colorful rainbow effect behind me
That might happen to catch the gentleman's eye
This captivating sight could potentially capture the attention of a gentleman
And he might smile and take me by the hand this summer
In response, he might smile and approach me, perhaps even holding my hand
Making me recall how lovely love can be
His actions would remind me of the beauty and joy that love can bring
And so I will proudly wear
Therefore, I will confidently display
Ribbons down my back
The ribbons hanging down my hair
Shining in my hair
Radiantly glimmering in my locks
That he might notice me
So that he may take notice of my presence
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerry Herman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind