Little Girl Blue
The Rat Pack Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When you were very young, the world was younger than you
As merry as a carousel
The circus tent was strung with ever star in the sky
Above the ring you loved so well
Now the young world has grown old, gone are the silver and gold

Sit there and count your fingers, what can you do
Old girl, you're through
Just sit there and count your little fingers
Unhappy little girl blue

Sit there and count the raindrops falling on you
It's time you knew
All you can count on are the raindrops
That fall on little girl blue
No use, old girl, you might as well surrender




Your hopes are getting slender, why won't somebody send a tender
Blue boy to cheer up little girl blue

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Little Girl Blue" by The Rat Pack depict a bittersweet and melancholic atmosphere, addressing the loneliness and disillusionment experienced by a young girl as she grows older. The song draws a stark contrast between the joy and wonder of her youth and the harsh reality of adulthood. The opening lines suggest that when the girl was young, the world seemed bright and full of possibilities, like a vibrant carousel at a circus adorned with stars. However, as she has grown older, the magic and sparkle have faded away, represented by the disappearance of silver and gold.


The lyrics then shift to address the girl directly, urging her to sit and count her fingers, implying a sense of idleness and insignificance. The phrase "Old girl, you're through" expresses a sentiment of resignation and defeat, suggesting that she has lost her purpose or optimism. The repetitive use of the phrase "little girl blue" reinforces the theme of sadness and vulnerability.


As the song progresses, it encourages the girl to acknowledge the reality of her situation. The raindrops falling on her symbolize obstacles, setbacks, and disappointments in life. The lyrics communicate that the only thing she can truly count on are these raindrops, emphasizing a pessimistic outlook. The plea for someone to send a "blue boy" to cheer her up implies a need for companionship or support, indicating her desire for someone to uplift her spirits and provide comfort in her sadness.


Line by Line Meaning

When you were very young, the world was younger than you
In your early years, the world seemed full of possibilities and excitement, much like your youthful spirit


As merry as a carousel
Everything was filled with joy and happiness, resembling the cheerful atmosphere of a carousel


The circus tent was strung with every star in the sky
The world seemed enchanting, like a magical circus adorned with the brilliance of every star in the sky


Above the ring you loved so well
Especially in your favorite area, everything seemed perfect and brought you immense joy


Now the young world has grown old, gone are the silver and gold
However, as time passed, the world lost its allure and charm, and the precious moments and experiences faded away


Sit there and count your fingers, what can you do
Now you find yourself idle and pondering, wondering what you can truly achieve or contribute


Old girl, you're through
You feel defeated and worthless, as if your time and opportunities have passed


Just sit there and count your little fingers
You find solace in the simple act of counting your fingers, seeking comfort in the familiarity of the mundane


Unhappy little girl blue
You are filled with sorrow and melancholy, feeling lost and unfulfilled


Sit there and count the raindrops falling on you
As you sit alone, you notice the raindrops symbolize the disappointments and hardships that constantly surround you


It's time you knew
It's a moment of realization and acceptance that you need to face the harsh realities of life


All you can count on are the raindrops
Amidst the uncertainties, the only constant in your life are the troubles and challenges that persist


That fall on little girl blue
These burdens and hardships seem to always fall upon you, leaving you feeling small and desolate


No use, old girl, you might as well surrender
It seems futile to resist or fight against your circumstances, as if surrendering is the only option left


Your hopes are getting slender, why won't somebody send a tender
As your optimism fades, you long for someone to provide comfort, understanding, and affection


Blue boy to cheer up little girl blue
Someone who can bring joy and happiness to your sorrowful state, just like a blue boy lifting the spirits of a sad little girl




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Joseph Luciano Sr.

Music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, published in 1935.[1] The song was introduced by Gloria Grafton in the Broadway musical "Jumbo" (Wikipedia) The plot is a Romeo and Juliet-style romance in which the son and daughter of feuding circus families fall in love. It features songs by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart that would endure: "My Romance," "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" and "Little Girl Blue."

César Damián Sobre Casas

Ñ

Mark Daniele

Thanks for posting this.I miss him terribly.

Alberto CPMLPGC

Great performance by The Voice

shane brooks

Good song :]

Joan Walkenspaw

NO ONE SINGS THIS LIKE SINATRA...........

Angie Rodriguez

Lovely <3

Cjguinness

The best version! Sound quality is off though but the best, never the less!

M.J. Leger

I don't know when he recorded this version, but it was later than the other one on another site, I like this one much better!

Jiceboo

On "songs for young lovers"(1953) actually. With the Hollywood string quartet. Not "In the wee small hours"

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