Scarlet Ribbons
The Browns Lyrics


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You know I peeked in to say goodnight,
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,
Not one ribbon for her hair.

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.

Overall Meaning

The song "Scarlet Ribbons" by The Browns tells a heartwarming story about a little girl's faith and the power of prayer. The song's lyrics describe a father who enters his daughter's room late at night and hears her praying for a special request: scarlet ribbons for her hair. The father, unable to find any ribbons in the stores, sets out on a search through the dark and empty streets of the town to fulfill his daughter's wish. However, much to his disappointment, he is unable to find any ribbons. Through the night, his heart aches at the thought of crushing his daughter's dreams. But just before dawn, he decides to check on her one last time and finds, to his joy and amazement, that the scarlet ribbons are magically strewn over her bed, fulfilling his daughter's wish.


Line by Line Meaning

You know I peeked in to say goodnight,
I checked on my child before bed


When I heard my child in prayer.
I overheard my child praying


She said, "And for me some scarlet ribbons, Scarlet ribbons for my hair."
My child prayed for scarlet ribbons to wear in her hair


All the stores were closed and shuttered, And all the streets were dark and bare. In our town, no scarlet ribbons, Not one ribbon for her hair.
I searched for scarlet ribbons, but no store had any available in our town


Through the night my heart was aching.
I was sad all night


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.
Right before sunrise, I checked on my child and found scarlet ribbons on her bed, which made me happy


If I live to be a hundred, I will never, never know from where, Came those lovely scarlet ribbons, Scarlet Ribbons for her hair.
Even if I live a long time, I will never know how my child obtained the scarlet ribbons


Scarlet ribbons, there's magic in the air. Scarlet, scarlet ribbons for her hair.
The scarlet ribbons have a magical quality to them




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Evelyn Danzig, Jack Segal

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

MsMamabear42

Another beautiful childhood memory....my Mother had such a lovely voice and she would sing this to me every night at bed time when I was a little girl

nowvoyagerNE

60-some years ago my mother sang this song too.

musicman201047

Of all the versions of this song I have heard by various artists,this one by the Browns is by far the best.... it is to this kind of music to which I write, create my own songs,stories,poetry as it plays in the background.

Let Your L⚡️GHT Forever Shine ❤️

For me Jimmie Rodgers version had more deep emotion & intensity.

Trebor Eclap

Nothing like the Browns around anymore. They were awesome!

Rick Via

When I was a toddler, My Ma would play this for me. - this from the Browns on a Sivertone record player. She would explain the story. I will never forget that. I Love and miss You Ma.

Denise Culton

So many have done this! I must have listened to 8 different ones last 2 days. Jimmie Rogers,Kingston Trio,and more. I see a couple yet to hear! Lovely song!

Cats&Company

My brother signed up for the U. S. Marines @ Camp Pendleton! Gave all his 45’s to his slimy girlfriend, I, at 5 years old begged for his records but no, she got at least 100, of them…all but this one! It reminded me of my late brother! I got this one & still have it! It’s going to my son one day! My very first favorite song! Loved it! Still do!

ridho purnomo

wonderful,good harmony,sounds feel warm...thank's for posting this.in past day,I was think only The cats sang this beautiful song......

Maxine Russell

This is a follow up to The Three Bells.  It also sold well over a million, I have some great memories associated with this song...(Maxine)

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