Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)
Roy Orbison · Other Songs - Roy Orbison
Where I saw my child in prayer
"Send for me some scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for my hair"
All the stores were closed and shuttered
All the streets were dark and bare
In our town no scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair
All the night my heart was aching
Just before the dawn was breaking
I peeped in and on her bed
In gay profusion lying there
I saw lovely scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair
If I live to be a hundred
I will never know from where
Came those lovely scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair
Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)
Roy Orbison's "Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)" stands as a poignant example of his signature blend of melancholic melody and soaring vocals. Released during the early 1960s, the track exemplifies the dramatic emotional range that defined his career, utilizing a minor-key arrangement to underscore themes of longing and heartbreak. While often associated with his later monumental success, this recording captures the raw, unpolished intensity of his pre-fame period, showcasing his ability to craft intimate narratives within the rock and roll format. The song remains a testament to Orbison's unique voice and his capacity to transform personal sorrow into universal resonance, cementing his legacy as a master of the slow-burn ballad.