About the song
“Roses Are Red (My Love)” stands as a timeless classic in the annals of popular music, its poignant lyrics and stirring melody leaving an indelible mark on listeners since its release in 1962. Composed by Al Byron and Paul Evans, this iconic ballad was immortalized by Bobby Vinton, whose rendition catapulted the song to unprecedented heights of fame.
Bobby Vinton’s journey with “Roses Are Red (My Love)” began unexpectedly when he stumbled upon the song in a reject pile at Epic Records. Initially recorded as an R&B track, Vinton felt compelled to give it a more emotive treatment. Under the guidance of Robert Mersey and his Orchestra, the song was reimagined with lush string arrangements and a vocal choir, transforming it into a soul-stirring masterpiece.
Released in April 1962, the song quickly ascended to the top of charts worldwide. It reached the coveted No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for an impressive four weeks. This meteoric rise not only marked Vinton’s first major hit but also became Epic Records’ inaugural number-one single, solidifying its place in music history.
Beyond its chart-topping success in the United States, “Roses Are Red (My Love)” resonated globally, topping charts in Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and South Africa. Its universal appeal was further underscored by its inclusion in Billboard’s year-end rankings, where it ranked among the top singles of 1962.
The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its numerous cover versions, each adding unique interpretations to its heartfelt lyrics and melodic richness. From David MacBeth’s rendition on Piccadilly Records to Jim Reeves’ soulful interpretation on his album “Gentleman Jim,” artists across genres have paid homage to this beloved classic.
Moreover, “Roses Are Red (My Love)” inspired an answer song titled “Long as the Rose Is Red” by Florraine Darlin, which, while not matching Vinton’s commercial success, enjoyed its own modest acclaim on the Billboard charts.
As a testament to its cultural impact, the song continues to be celebrated in retrospectives of 1960s music and remains a staple on playlists dedicated to timeless love ballads. Its ability to evoke nostalgia while resonating with new generations underscores its status as a perennial favorite, ensuring that “Roses Are Red (My Love)” will forever bloom in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
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Lyrics
Roses are red, my love, doo-roo-roo-roo
A long-long time ago, on graduation day
You handed me your book, I signed this way
Roses are red, my love, violets are blue
Sugar is sweet, my love, but not as sweet as you
We dated through high school, and when the big day came
I wrote into your book, next to my name
Roses are red, my love, violets are blue
Sugar is sweet, my love, but not as sweet as you
(As sweet as you)
Then I went far away and you found someone new
I read your letter, dear, and I wrote back to you
Roses are red, my love, violets are blue
Sugar is sweet, my love, good luck, may God bless you
(May God bless you)
Is that your little girl? She looks a lot like you
Someday, some boy will write in her book too
Roses are red, my love, violets are blue
Sugar is sweet, my love, but not as sweet as you
Roses are red
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