Greenwood Music Company

Black Dress
written by C. Carson Parks II


Lyrics:

 I know you never thought that I would find you out

Or see the way you've changed from day to day

But I just met today the girl who's turned your head about

And now there are some things I'd like to say.

 

When she speaks, the words come out more beautiful than mine

And the clothes she wears are oh so fine

Probably she has her hair done each and ev'ry day

And gets a manicure from time to time.

 

I guess that black silk dress must rustle softly as you dance

And then, perhaps, you say a funny line

I can hear soft laughter as she casts a knowing glance

And wets her lips a bit to make them shine.

 

Maybe, if the children didn't need so much

If my closets hung with lovely things

Then you'd be as proud to be with me as her

And there would be some meaning to these rings.

 

But I don't want you feeling that your life has been a waste,

And maybe you should have a girl so fine

But even though the things she does are always in good taste,

She could never have a heart as true as mine.

 

© - 1967 Greenwood Music Co. - BMI 120532

Carson's Remarks:

 When I first started writing, most of my subjects were males, who often got the worst of the deal! Of course, there weren't many female torch singers at the time, so I wrote for males or duets. I was asked why I didn't ever write from a "female perspective". I said that I never had any females around me (except Mom', which doesn't count). I had 3 brothers and a male dog, so I didn't understand females (still don't, but am still trying), but I would give it some thought. For real music buffs, you'll probably make a connection to a torch saloon ballad called "Guess Who I Saw Today, My Dear". You are right but, even though I wasn't the first to envision this situation, I felt it had never been approached from a down-to-earth point of view. I tried to blend the cosmopolitan sophistication of one side of society with the pure and simple aspects of "real life." I haven't written anything like it since - - perhaps I've said everything I know about a woman's point of view!