Lollipops, Lace and Lipstick: A Sweet Elegy to Lost Innocence
There are certain songs that, with the first few notes, transport you back to a specific time and place, a sepia-toned memory of youth and simpler days. For many, especially those who came of age in the 1970s, Donny Osmond’s “Lollipops, Lace And Lipstick” is one such song. Released in 1972 on the B-side of his hit single, “Puppy Love,” this track, while not a chart-topper in its own right, holds a special place in the hearts of a generation. The A-side, “Puppy Love,” was a global smash, reaching number one in the UK and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. This immense success, ironically, allowed its B-side to become a cherished, almost hidden gem. It was a song you discovered while flipping the vinyl, a bonus track that felt like a private conversation with the young star. The song was also included on Donny Osmond’s self-titled 1972 album, “Donny Osmond,” which further cemented its place in his discography.
“Lollipops, Lace And Lipstick” is more than just a pop song; it’s a poignant and deeply nostalgic narrative. It tells the story of a young man, perhaps a teenager, reflecting on his first, innocent romance. The lyrics, penned by songwriters Mac Davis and Mickey Newbury, are a masterclass in evocative imagery. They paint a picture of a youthful love affair marked by the simple, almost clichéd, symbols of adolescence. The “lollipops” represent the sweet, uncomplicated joys of a first kiss, a tentative hand-holding. The “lace” is a nod to the girl’s innocent femininity, the frilly dresses and delicate ribbons of a young lady. And the “lipstick” is the final, bittersweet touch—the mark of a burgeoning adulthood, the first step away from childhood games and towards a more complex world. It is the lipstick that stains his cheek, a memory etched not just on his skin, but on his heart.
The song’s emotional core lies in its melancholic reflection. The narrator isn’t just recounting a story; he’s looking back on a time that has passed, a time of naivety and pure emotion. There’s a wistful sadness in his tone, a recognition that the “lollipops” have long been consumed, the “lace” has been replaced by more sophisticated fabrics, and the “lipstick” has been worn by someone else. This sentiment resonates deeply with older listeners, who have their own cherished memories of first loves and the inevitable passage of time. The song serves as a reminder that while we may grow up and move on, the memories of those first, pure feelings remain, preserved like a pressed flower in the pages of our personal history. It’s a song for quiet contemplation, for closing your eyes and allowing the melody to carry you back to a time when life’s biggest worry was whether she would say yes to a date.
Donny Osmond’s vocal performance on this track is a testament to his innate ability to convey emotion. While he was often seen as a clean-cut teen idol, his delivery here is surprisingly mature. His voice, still boyish and clear, is infused with a genuine sense of longing and tenderness. He doesn’t just sing the words; he feels them. This authenticity is what makes the song so enduring. It’s not just a commercial product designed for mass consumption; it’s a piece of art that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss. It’s a song that proves that even the simplest melodies can hold the most profound truths. And for those who remember, it’s a sweet, melodic whisper from a past that, for a few precious minutes, feels as close as yesterday.
Oldies Songs