Scarlet Ribbons
RóisÃn Murphy Lyrics
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My flesh and my bones
Is that the way it's supposed to be
How the story goes
Ribbons and bones
Like a thorn on a rose
When the one man who gave it all to you
Has to let you go
He found for me scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for my hair
What becomes of a father's love
When another has his daughter's love
Don't you know they'll never be here but
I'll always be your little girl
It's all borrowed time
And you always said I would regret it
If I grew up to fast
But my heart is strong and true
I'm doing fine
The things that you said
I won't forget them
I'll do as you ask
And always play fair for you
You found for me scarlet ribbons
Those scarlet ribbons for my hair
What becomes of a father's love
When another has his daughter's love
Don't you know they'll never be here but
I'll always be your little girl
There's a part of you
In every part of me (should know better)
Maybe you should know
I won't let that go
As long as I can cry on your shoulder
Won't be growing up
Just older
You have got to let me go
You found for me scarlet ribbons
Those scarlet ribbons for my hair
What becomes of a father's love
When another has his daughter's love
Don't you know they'll never be here but
I'll always be your little girl
I'll always be, always be your little girl
Always be, always be your little girl
Always be, always be your little girl
Always be your little girl
You have got to let it go, oh oh
You have got to let it go
You have got to let it go, oh
You have got to let it go
You have got to let it go, oh oh
You have got to let it go
"Scarlet Ribbons" by Róisín Murphy is a sentimental song that speaks to the relationship between a father and a daughter. The song opens with the line "From the cradle to the floor, my flesh and my bones," which speaks to the bond between a parent and child. The first verse continues to explore this idea, suggesting that this bond is natural, though no less poignant for its familiarity. The phrase "Is that the way it's supposed to be, how the story goes" suggests that there is something almost inevitable about this bond.
However, the second verse introduces conflict into this picture by asking "What becomes of a father's love when another has his daughter's love?" This line suggests that the daughter has grown up and fallen in love with someone else, taking away the father's place in her heart. The lyrics are conflicted, seemingly trying to balance the love and loyalty a daughter has for her father while also acknowledging the importance of her own life and love.
Despite the tumultuous emotions explored in the song, the chorus remains a comforting constant. The phrase "You found for me scarlet ribbons, those scarlet ribbons for my hair" suggests a fond memory and symbolizes that the father has played a significant role in the daughter's life, even if things are changing. The song's closing lines repeat "You have got to let it go" as if the singer is addressing her father, who must now let her go and move on with his own life.
Overall, "Scarlet Ribbons" beautifully explores the complexities of the relationship between father and daughter, acknowledging both the joy and heartbreak that comes with aging and moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
From the cradle to the floor
From birth to death
My flesh and my bones
My physical body
Is that the way it's supposed to be
Questioning the inevitability of life
How the story goes
As fate would have it
Ribbons and bones
The delicate and hard parts of life
Like a thorn on a rose
The beauty and pain of love
When the one man who gave it all to you
When your father who sacrificed everything for you
Has to let you go
Has to accept that you are growing up
He found for me scarlet ribbons
He gave me something special
Scarlet ribbons for my hair
A symbol of love and protection
What becomes of a father's love
What happens to a father's love
When another has his daughter's love
When someone else captures his daughter's heart
Don't you know they'll never be here but
No one else can replace a father's love
I'll always be your little girl
I will always be his daughter
It's all borrowed time
Life is fleeting
And you always said I would regret it
My father warned me of the consequences of growing up too fast
If I grew up to fast
If I matured too quickly
But my heart is strong and true
I am confident and honest
I'm doing fine
I am managing well
The things that you said
The advice my father gave me
I won't forget them
I will always remember them
I'll do as you ask
I will follow my father's guidance
And always play fair for you
To honor him
There's a part of you
I inherited traits from my father
In every part of me (should know better)
I should be aware of that influence
Maybe you should know
Perhaps my father should understand
I won't let that go
I will not forget it
As long as I can cry on your shoulder
As long as I can turn to my father for support
Won't be growing up
I will not rush my maturity
Just older
I will take my time to experience life
You have got to let me go
My father must release me
I'll always be, always be your little girl
I will always be his daughter
You have got to let it go, oh oh
My father must accept my growing independence
You have got to let it go
My father must let go of his protectiveness
Contributed by Layla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.