Scarlett Ribbons

Bobbie Gentry

I peek in to say goodnight

And I heard my child in prayer

"And for me some scarlett ribbons

Scarlett ribbons for my hair"



All the stores were closed and shuddered

All the streets were dark and bare

In our town no scarlett ribbons

Not one ribbon for her hair



Through the night my heart was aching

Just before the dawn was breaking

I'd peeked in and on her bed

A gay profusion lying there



Lovely ribbons, scarlett ribbons

Scarlett ribbons for her hair



If I live to be two hundred

I will never know from where

Came those ribbons, lovely ribbons

Scarlett ribbons for her hair