I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced her to my loved one
And while they were dancing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz

I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced her to my loved one
And while they were dancing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz

Overall Meaning

Patti Page's Tennessee Waltz is a heartbreaking song about lost love. The song begins with Patti Page describing dancing with her lover to the beautiful Tennessee Waltz when she unexpectedly spotted her old friend. She proceeded to introduce her friend to her lover, and during their dancing, her friend stole her sweetheart away. The lyrics depict her heartache at losing her loved one while reminiscing about the night she danced with him to the beautiful Tennessee Waltz. The Tennessee Waltz that is referred to as the beautiful dance that swept across the state in the early 1950s is a metaphor for the beautiful memories shared with her love, which she now lost.

This song resonates with anyone who has lost a heartbreakingly beautiful relationship. The lyrics are straightforward, yet the emotions they convey are deep and poignant. The sentiment of the song is timeless, and though it was written in the 1950s, it remains popular today.

Line by Line Meaning

I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee Waltz
I was happily dancing with my beloved while listening to the Tennessee Waltz music

When an old friend I happened to see
Suddenly, I saw one of my old friends standing nearby

I introduced her to my loved one
I made an introduction between my friend and my beloved

And while they were dancing
Meanwhile, my friend and my beloved were dancing together

My friend stole my sweetheart from me
But, I was completely unaware that my friend took away my beloved and broke my heart

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
I still think about that night when we danced to the soothing music of the Tennessee Waltz

Now I know just how much I have lost
Only after this incident, I have realized how much my beloved meant to me

Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
Sadly, I lost my beloved on the same night when they were playing the Tennessee Waltz

The beautiful Tennessee Waltz
But, the Tennessee Waltz music is still beautiful and soothing

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Redd Stewart, Pee Wee King

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@juancamacho5746

2y↑6

I was dancin' with my darlin' to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced her to my loved one and while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz

🎺🎺🎺

I was dancin' with my darlin' to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced her to my loved one and while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz

All comments from YouTube:

@ijg4427

1y↑11

I danced with this waltz in 1956: happy memories, no drugs, no knives, no guns, and no for many things that unfortunately now exist in our society today

@goaskmymom1350

36w↑12

My parents loved dancing to this, dad's been gone almost 40 years. My wife and I were just with mom at the nursing home today, she's going down hill fast with the horrible disease of Parkinson's. She asked me to play this on my phone then started singing along with Patti. My wife started to tear up knowing/seeing mom doesn't have much time left but was enjoying the music. I will play this song every time I see her until she leaves us to dance once again... with dad in heaven.

@joannewatts6501

2y↑146

This was my mom's song ~ her husband (my father ) was killed one night just as he got home from work , by a drunk driver . She would play this song often thinking of him .

@pollyvianneschmidt4315

1y↑5

😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤

@user-sf3fe4bh2q

43w↑1

😰😰😰

@clasienvanderlelie

42w↑2

😢❤

@KC-nd7nt

34w↑2

That's God for you. Always looking out . Thoughts and prayers . Lol

@user-gy2gd3zs6t

25w

6501 ой, как жалко, как жалко

7 More Replies...

@hilariorodriguez1511

3y↑327

This is the only song that makes me cry 😭. This is the theme song of my mom and dad when they were still alive. They used to dance this song with so much love and affection and we were all mesmerized with my siblings as we watched them on the floor🤗🤗I know they still dance with this song in Heaven🤗🎹🎼🎶Miss them so much😅🚴🎹🎼🎶

@anthonymctigue9038

3y↑14

I know how u Feel

@shrikrishnaagarwala6702

2y↑7

A lovely song from her was 'How much is that doggie in the window"

@deborahsilva2966

2y↑11

What a beautiful story. My parents danced in the kitchen a lot. We always listened to music on the weekends when we cleaned and cooked. A song would come on and my dad would ask my mom to dance. My sisters would be dancing with each other or the door frame while cleaning. ❤️

@arizonacity2008

2y↑10

Beautifully said, a real tribute to the kind of parents we all wish we had.

@vitalybaldgi6984

2y↑6

Real America!

18 More Replies...

@randyrogers8568

30w↑15

I was four years old when this came out. My mom and I were listening on the old vacuum tube radio when this first played. Mom told me to pay attention since this was the biggest song ever. Mom is now 100 and I'm a senior citizen and I still remember that old crummy radio playing this song.

@babylareta

30w↑15

I love her face, her face, her dress... The lyrics is so beautiful, too 🤩💗 unfortunately, today the most music change to worst 😔

@wolfstar_productions

27w↑1

One can not help but place immediate and undivided attention to her the moment she begins her walk down those stairs.

@Nogah100

2y↑142

What a wonder of singing! Patti Page is a soprano, but so velvety - in the lower tones - and like a nightingale in the high ones. It is the way she sings that make her voice so moving.

@loftsatsympaticodotc

2y↑4

... ah yes... lilting.

@charlesfarmer9474

35w↑28

Patti really had such a beautiful voice!

@jameshibbert9813

40w↑4

My wife and i saw her in live performance in San Francisco when were in our 20's--great performer--classy act.

jlh

@ronnieburns4554

2y↑21

Goose bump Heaven! Put tears in my eyes. This is music, that has class!

@larryfisher5796

2y↑37

She had such a beautiful voice

@DonStone-fi4rw

1y↑53

Beautifully sung and the words are easily understandable, unlike many of the songs today.

@MSavella89

3y↑98

This was my Nana’s favorite song. The day she died I played this song for her and she loved it. Every time I hear this song (this version) I get teary eyed and think of her.

@paulfharris175

3y↑5

Mark Savella I'm so very sorry that you have lost your Nana
May your Nana Rest In Peace 🙏 and may you and your families 👪 and Emergency Workers also find Peace 🌹 🌹🌹🌹

@jimsylvester7681

2y↑5

God bless

@NavyCWO

41w↑5

My Grandfather loved this song and played it often. He went home in 1965. I still miss him. Rest easy, Potsie!

@felicienchanel8960

3y↑77

I have never heard such a beautiful rendition of this song

@janebrewster9618

1y↑11

This is the first song I remember. My father sang it along with the radio. Always think of him when I hear this.

@johnnypapa3977

@@gregnormal55. I sure am!

@jeffreytao8677

3y↑105

This song is a gem -- it has a timeless beauty.

@joestanley4151

26w↑1

I'm 58 and remember my grandmother playing Patties songs as I was a very young boy. I just played it for my 23 year old son.

@hollyobaby6949

26w↑8

My dad's friend used to play this around the campfire. It brought a tear to his eye. I've seen my dad tear up maybe twice before. Now this song always makes me cry.

@Salakert

23w

tears od joy of course? i heard this and ol man river from grandpa shortly after grandma died. he saw Louis in MA in 51 or 52 one summer. a drunken weekend story i heard from him ;)

@animegirl2245

3y↑61

My first time hearing this song and I'm crying. 😭 absolutely breathtaking

@sunitademello1887

2y↑25

Beautiful lady and such a superb voice.I love this song.

@danhouy4626

45w↑18

She set a standard for all other singers. A true original.

@Wan-Jun-Yan

16w↑1

Such beautiful Patti Page ! ♥🌎👍

@marieblue

1y↑83

“Tennessee Waltz” was composed by Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King in 1947. Patti Page’s rendition is the best known version of the song and the largest selling record by a female artist in recording history.

In 1965, this became one of Tennessee’s official state anthems.

“Tennessee Waltz” was the last piece to sell a million copies of sheet music. 💙🎼💚

May you rest in peace, Clara Ann Fowler, a.k.a. Patti Page (1927 - 2013)… 🌹

@normitabarranco3378

1y↑2

Yes, I have heard many renditions but Miss Page voice is hard for any talented artist to compete with

@marieblue

@@normitabarranco3378 Indeed. Best regards to you, Normita.

@ericchandler2422

45w

I always loved this song I wasn’t aware of it’s history or that of patty’s story behind it thank you

@marieblue

45w

@@ericchandler2422 My pleasure. Best regards to you, Eric.

@charlesmangum2100

42w

Should be the national anthem; so, I a born in Tennessee.

3 More Replies...

@charlettea.p.kealoha8050

1y↑6

What a moment in time, a classic song and it still gets to me. Aloha ( love) from Honolulu, Hawaii

@gregnormal55.

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!

@erloucabilan1438

1y↑5

20 years ago i danced while my grandma sang this song. I missed her so darn much

@betteramwthanbmw

2y↑25

She appears as what some people may call a "Southern Belle" with an extraordinary gift of voice.
Thank you for the upload.

@wolfieafo

2y↑3

I'm 15 years old and I'm from Portugal, one of my favorite songs ❤️

@rusidjango6293

3y↑48

This is the one of my favorite song... Tennesse waltz.... God bless you patti page. Rest in peace......

@shin-i-chikozima

2y↑22

This sorrowful masterpiece is universal, and transcends the times

I can not listen to her song without deep sighs and tears

@ladymarjorie3777

1y↑27

I always loved this song. Patti Page was such an amazing singer. Voice as clear as a bell.

@alexsandersmith1880

1y↑2

Am I ignorant, or are singers today less talented?

@ladymarjorie3777

1y↑4

@@alexsandersmith1880 It was a different time. I don't understand the appeal of today's music.

@gregnormal55.

1y↑2

@@ladymarjorie3777 Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!

@epinhervin9355

@@alexsandersmith1880mostly today generation love the old music and old generation dislike todays music. Nothing wrong, just the universality of old music never beat by todays music

@rudrasingharoy4631

2y↑20

What a wonderful old song and what an amazing voice.

@Teofane

2y↑11

I had no idea she was so beautiful. And the voice is perfection.

@rayw295

1y↑1

This takes me back to my Grandma's house - she loves this

@bobhudson7817

42w↑1

In the summer of 1953, when I turned 5 years old, this song was always on the radio. My sister and I were staying with my aunt's family at Fort Knox, Kentucky, while my mother was in Mexico for health reasons.
I loved to sing the first few bars of this song, but my 10 y/o cousin would tease me, saying, "Oh really? Who's your darlin'?"

@GlasUndMetall

13w

Some of the music of my childhood, I still love Patti Page. One of the few singers that can make me emotional to this day.

@ChingWu-vt4tf

16w

Again my childhood dream song. It brings back lots of beautiful memories.

@StevenTorrey

3y↑37

What a sweet song! I remember hearing this when I was a kid.

@davidfletcher6478

22w

I sure remember watching this when I was 8 years old. 😊

@BeauDare-ov7py

18w

Patti Page has a voice from another world. Delecate and gentle, but with all heart and deep feeling... Absolutetly beautiful..

@BeauDare-ov7py

18w

A million best wishes, Patti.

@ramidarwish7665

2y↑6

wow, not only she is beautiful, but the song and music is second to non, is just spectacular, i love it

@boogiemorgan

1y↑5

This is a prize song of the past that will never get old, it will still be famous in generations to come! 🌟

@azngotback

26w↑1

I love this version of the song. I can't find it anywhere else

@dianar9492

47w↑3

My goodness! Sooooooo beautiful!

@goustonefrancisisole2534

2y↑5

I was watching 'NOVITIATE 2017', heard its tune in the 5th minute.... searched for it and found it to be TENNESSEE WALTZ.... I loved it.... I asked myself why this song in that film? I realized Cathleen's mother lost her loved one (her only daughter) to the church as she had introduced her to that community and Cathleen developed the desire to become the nun.... perhaps it was a single mother's expectation to regain happiness from grandchildren who would never come again..... it's great film to watch!

@nancybusso6171

26w

This was my mother’s favorite song. When I was a teenager she said I looked like Patti Page. Memories….

@jkgou1

37w↑1

The unforgettable best version
She leaved us on 1/1
We will always remember her
Long live digitally

@brucerestau7716

36w

Patti Page, "The Singing Rage"...what great memories she gave us!

@user-er9it4ye7v

36w↑4

I love this song! So beautiful 🎧🎶

@RoninDave

40w↑6

Tennessee Waltz is a mind-trip of a song journey in itself and personally for me as well: it's a song about a song that doesn't exist written by two men about a man losing his sweetheart to an old friend but became an international hit when sung by a female artist despite it being released on the B-side of a Christmas single no one remembers. A year later a Japanese version was released by a teenaged girl in English and Japanese and it became such a hit in Japan, that when I visited the country over half-a-century later, Japanese people would often remark when they heard I was from that state by saying "Ah, Tennessee Waltzu!" In fact, I first heard the song in Japan by a female singer at a blues club in Tokyo (I had grown up more with Rocky Top myself). When I finally got around to hearing Patti Page's version, though, it all clicked together as to why this song became as famous as it did. She truly owns this song.

@oreosphat

40w↑1

Thank you for your comment! It helps explain the data for this video, which shows me that an almost equal share of the audience is from the US and Japan.

@anthonygil2469

3y↑5

If someone is still listening to this song after 200years,i might be dead already but im here.

@debifambro1039

3y↑16

I heard this when I was a child. I liked singing along with this amazing voice..smooth as silk. I recall My aunt had the red record.

@ys1353

1y↑5

I love this beautiful song .

@kitbailey6963

2y↑6

I MISS YOU DAD AND MOM. MAY YOU BOTH REST IN THE LORD FOREVER......

KB✝️🌺🌺

@fredzag2452

26w↑1

As Patti started an acting career she didn't sing as much. She was the best in her day, and made my day.

@ningpaul5504

38w↑4

90年上大学，这首歌让我入迷，谢谢Patti Page的歌陪伴我渡过无尽的长夜！I went to college in 1990 and this song fascinated me. Thank you Patti Page for accompanying me through endless nights!

@AlenaJolie

2y↑11

What a silky voice. So enjoyable. Thank you.

@manwahchan2490

2y↑2

I was her honest junkie
of songs. She started her singing in 1950. Her voice and sound were soft with charm.
I was her audience and
spectator to listen her songs.

@hilariorodriguez1511

1y↑1

When I'm not feeling good , I always dreamed of my mom and dad in heaven watching over me 😔 Then I'll play this music to imagine that they're just in the dance floor happily and sweetly dancing 🥺after a few more playing this song suddenly as if was magic,,,I started to feel good again🤗🚴🚴

@andreasschirmer1938

2y↑16

Wunderbares Lied einer wunderschönen Frau. Einfach nur schön!❤️

@chrismadole3646

5y↑120

I did everything I could to try to remember this song. I could envision her walking slowly down the steps as she began to sing, and knew it was a slower song--- but somehow was searching for her in the 1940's, when I should have realized it was the decade of the 1950's. Tennessee Waltz!!! I adore her vocal control and angelic tones. SO GLAD YOU POSTED THIS, thank you!

@oreosphat

5y↑10

Thank you for your comment! This is my favorite version. Please feel free to check out my other videos, as well.

@rogue1537

2y↑4

I agree, she signs it the best! So classy and delicately!

@josecardoso9971

2y↑3

Bom dia boa recordacao. Me faz voltar ao passado maravilha
Rio claro. sao paulo. Brasil

@arizonacity2008

We forget how much talent folks had, thanks for reminding us....

@stevehooker1636

14w

One of my Mother’s favourites❤

@jciamretired9767

2y↑7

Patti Page, beautiful lady, beautiful voice with this beautiful song. Love all her songs. RIP

@manwahchan2490

2y↑1

In 1956, patti pages was still very young and pretty, her voice and sound attracted me to listen.She was famous and welcomed
by all Americans.

@cindyh8017

2y↑1

This one pops into my head ever so often and I look it up to hear it. The time? 0700 here in jolly old England.

@gregnormal55.

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!

@user-tv1kc9uf7x

3y↑9

素晴らしい歌唱力で最高でしたありがとうございました😊

@attra91

35w

My Lord! Thank you so much for posting this!

@mikemelczak7588

13w

An all time classic. Such a beautiful song.

@brianterence3211

3y↑27

The Saturday night dance was very popular in the fifties.
Many people will respond to both the words and the song.
Nobody could sing it better than Patti

@josieschulz8123

3y↑20

The first song I've learned during my childhood years and still singing it love it love her beautiful voice..

@gregnormal55.

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe

@virginiahelt-lovelace-lepp9124

2y↑7

So sad and sweet at the same time. Could listen to it over and over.

@gregnormal55.

1y↑1

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!

@monzermasri8141

27w↑1

what a calm voice !?

@ILoveBANFF1974

27w↑10

I love this much better than the overdubbed version!! You can hear her beautiful voice better this way !!

@JohnnyGNV

3y↑10

Sometimes I forget how pretty she was and what a great voice she had -

@miltonmoore2527

3y↑1

She was WAY ABOVE
being merely "pretty."

@LCHI2000OK

3y↑27

Singing to the deepest of my soul

@user-nd5dl3he4b

마음차분해집니다

@troyhilton4672

2y↑2

This one gives me go back to a better time in my life

@rowelarosevlog6963

2y↑1

I miss you,i love you mama..i miss your voice..😭😭😭

@carmenchowable

2y↑2

oh My God, she beautiful and also her beautiful voice ! am I too late to just know this such beautiful today

@johnfox6827

2y↑2

Great memories u will have for ever

@johnfox6827

2y↑1

Great lady great voice and a great song

@user-fq3lm7sj9w

3y↑31

What a beautiful voice 💓

@richardbrogren6438

2y↑8

I just love this song 😍 amazing voice

@marjoriemurray4381

43w↑1

It is amazing how much she and Priscilla Presley look so much alike. I love this song and grew up listening to Patti singing it and many others.

@charlesmangum2100

42w↑1

I love this song. The Tenessee Waltz honors Tennessee where i was born.

@davidsanders6647

2y↑5

What a truly Beautiful lady an voice
Remember it like it was yesterday.

@j.l.1391

2y↑1

Why don't people sing like this anymore? Patti Page had some of the best songs.

@MelquiadesJrSumog-oy

1y↑1

Very nice song. I can feel the time when this song was sung.

@user-hw4rp8lg1d

2y↑1

パティぺ―ジ女史の美貌と歌声は全世界を魅了しました今も色あせることの無いすばはらしい歌声有りが当うございます

@amkub64

2y↑4

So hauntingly sweet and sad at the same time. Just love this music.

@tatyana6063

1y↑2

I have just heard this song recently, and this is also one of Patti Page's best songs, too. That's my opinion, and I'm a Patti Page music fan, also.

@ronaldwilliamson7963

2y↑8

I love these songs from the early fifties.

@vincentpak8238

3y↑7

Beautiful I love this song

@lindagrennan2618

2y↑5

One of my dad's favorite songs. I found out that this lady was his first girlfriend when he was very young. She lived across the street from him. I love her music. She and my dad died just a few months apart.

@gregnormal55.

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!

@HHIto

3y↑15

My mom used to sing this all the time (when she was young and I was a small kid).... Eri Chiemi (Famous Japanese singer....) sang this many times.... (on You Tube)..... blessed song.

@hmackie6823

2y↑3

a beautiful voice to match a beautiful lady

@juancamacho5746

2y↑6

@user-ju8ip6fh1g

I present for my mom, this song which is the song she loves ,
hope
be eternally

@annah.1927

2y↑1

Thank you. 💐

@gregnormal55.

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!