Bobby Vinton

Roses are red, my love...

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.

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.

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

Notes

Bobby Vinton found “Roses are Red” among a number of rejected demo records. He liked it, recorded it, and it became a #1 hit in the US in 1962. “Roses are Red” was written by Paul Evans and Al Byron, and Bobby Vinton's recording remained near the top of the charts for 13 weeks and at #1 for four weeks.

Bobby Vinton was originally signed in 1960 as a bandleader, not a singer. He had two failed LP’s and was on the verge of being dropped by Epic Records in 1962. However, his contract still called for him to release two more songs. The lawyers conferred and consented and Vinton insisted on singing on the next record. He chose “Roses are Red.” Bobby Vinton also recorded “Mr. Lonely” which wasn’t released until 1964, at the height of Beatlemania. It also became a #1 hit.

Vinton did not like the tempo on the original recording so he re-recorded it at its present tempo and released it. He was given a new contract by Epic Records as a solo singer.

Bobby Vinton performs “Roses are Red,” “Blue Velvet,” and other hits at his Blue Velvet Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

Buy the Bobby Vinton CD.

Click below to listen to an excerpt from "Roses Are Red."

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