About The Song
In the realm of country music, few names resonate with the same level of recognition and admiration as Marty Robbins. Renowned for his rich baritone voice and captivating storytelling, Robbins’s music has transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s landscape. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)” stands out as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.
Released in 1957, “A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)” paints a vivid picture of youthful heartbreak, capturing the emotions of a young man who has meticulously prepared for a romantic evening, only to be disappointed when his date stands him up. The song’s opening lines, “A white sport coat and a pink carnation / I’m all dressed up for the dance,” establish a sense of anticipation and excitement, while the subsequent verses reveal the protagonist’s growing realization that his hopes have been dashed.
Robbins’s masterful storytelling unfolds through vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics. The titular white sport coat and pink carnation serve as symbols of the protagonist’s carefully crafted persona, a facade of confidence and charm intended to impress his beloved. However, as the song progresses, these symbols transform into poignant reminders of his unfulfilled expectations, highlighting the stark contrast between his idealized vision of the evening and the harsh reality.
The song’s emotional depth is further accentuated by Robbins’s evocative vocals. His voice, imbued with a touch of melancholy, conveys the protagonist’s inner turmoil, seamlessly blending moments of despair with glimmers of lingering hope. The gentle accompaniment of the orchestra provides a delicate backdrop, underscoring the song’s tender sentimentality.
“A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)” has become a timeless classic, resonating with listeners across generations and cultures. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to capture the universal experience of heartbreak, offering solace and understanding to those who have faced similar emotional turmoil. Robbins’s poignant storytelling and heartfelt vocals have cemented the song’s place in the annals of country music, ensuring its continued relevance for years to come.
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Lyric
A white sport coat and a pink carnation (doo-wa)I’m all dressed up for the dance (bum-bum, bum-bum, bum, bum)A white sport coat and a pink carnation (doo-wa)I’m all alone in romance (bum-bum, bum-bum, bum, bum)Once you told me long ago (doo-doo)To the prom with me, you’d go (doo-doo)Now, you’ve changed your mind, it seems (doo-wa)Someone else will hold my dreamsA white (a white) sport coat (sport coat) and a pink carnation (doo-wa)And in a blue, blue mood (bum-bum, bum-bum, bum, bum)(A white sport coat and a pink carnation) (doo-wa)I’m all dressed up for the dance (bum-bum, bum-bum, bum, bum)(A white sport coat and a pink carnation) (doo-wa)I’m all alone in romance (bum-bum, bum-bum, bum, bum)Once you told me long ago (doo-doo)To the prom with me, you’d go (doo-doo)Now you’ve changed your mind, it seems (doo-wa)Someone else will hold my dreamsA white (a white) sport coat (sport coat) and a pink carnation (doo-wa)I’m in a blue, blue mood(Ah-ah)