Ribbons Down My Back
hello dolly! Lyrics
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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 of how lovely love can be
And so I will proudly wear ribbons down my back
Shining in my hair that he might notice me
The song "Ribbons Down My Back" by Jerry Herman in the Broadway musical "Hello Dolly!" is a thoughtful expression of the singer Dolly Gallagher Levi's hope for love as she endeavors to rediscover herself after her husband's death. In the lyrics, Dolly reveals her plan to wear ribbons of blue and green during the summer, so she can be noticed by a potential suitor. As July, a time of happiness, goofiness, and summer romance, arrives, Dolly wishes to increase her chances of finding love. She paints an image of the ribbons, fluttering and dancing, creating a captivating scene as she walks by, hoping to attract the fella of her dreams.
With the ribbons in her hair, Dolly hopes to attract a gentleman by her side who will take her hand and show her the loveliness of love again in this season. The lyrics show the depth of her wishful thinking, hoping that a chance encounter with someone special will change her life. The summer season evokes the hope for new beginnings and emotional rejuvenation. The song is a declaration of confidence and hopefulness by Dolly for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be wearing ribbons down my back this summer
I will wear ribbons on my hair during the summer season.
Blue and green and streaming in the yellow sky
The ribbons will be of blue and green color, fluttering under the sunny, yellow sky.
So if someone special comes my way this summer
In case any special person happens to come across me in the summer
He might notice me passing by
The person might take notice of me walking by.
And so I'll try to make it easier to find me
I will try to make myself noticeable.
In the silliness of July
During the playful and carefree time of July.
Because a breeze might stir a rainbow up behind me
When the wind blows, the ribbons might create a mesmerizing effect resembling a colorful rainbow.
That might happen to catch the gentleman's eye
This occurrence might attract the attention of a gentleman.
And he might smile and take me by the hand this summer
If he does happen to notice me and finds me likable, he might approach me and hold my hand.
Making me recall of how lovely love can be
This kind gesture by him of taking my hand would remind me of how beautiful love can be.
And so I will proudly wear ribbons down my back
I will wear these ribbons with pride and joy.
Shining in my hair that he might notice me
The ribbons will gleam in the hair, hoping to catch the eye of the special person.
Contributed by Aubrey W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.