Dandelions

Album: Safe Haven (2017)
Charted: 42
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • It has long been a Western tradition to use dandelions as a wishing agent. Inspired by the way the wind sweeps their tiny seed heads off, children blow on the flower and think of a wish they want to come true. Here, Ruth B imagines herself in a field of dandelions, blowing the seeds away. She hopes and prays her crush will reciprocate her feelings and be her lover.
  • Ruth B wrote the song after looking out of the window and seeing a dandelion. She told Nylon that a fortnight previously she'd watched an interview with Sia, who discussed her songwriting process. The Australian songsmith said, "One of the best ways to write is to pick a pretty word and write around that." So, Ruth thought, "Wow, dandelion is a really pretty word. I should write around it."
  • Ruth B recorded the song for her debut album Safe Haven, releasing it as the second and final promotional single on April 27, 2017. Just under five years later, "Dandelion" entered the UK singles chart after going viral on TikTok.
  • In 1967, The Rolling Stones released the best-known song titled "Dandelion," where they allude to the flower's supposed magical properties.

    Dandelion don't tell no lies
    Dandelion will make you wise
    Tell me if she laughs or cries
    Blow away dandelion


    Other songs that reference dandelions in their lyrics include:

    "Suck It and See" by The Arctic Monkeys ("You're rarer than a can of dandelion and burdock. And the other girls are just post-mix lemonade.")

    "Curtains" by Elton John ("I held a dandelion. That said the time had come. To leave upon the wind. Not to return.")

    "Sober" by Blink-182 ("I know I messed up and it might be over. But let me call you when I'm sober. I'm a dandelion, you're a four-leaf clover.")

    "Eagle on a Pole" by Coner Oberst ("While the ashes of the dead, like a dandelion head. Explode and then are scattered by the breeze. We're such a long way back to all the fun that we had.")

    "Thotful" by Cody Simpson ("She makes you wish upon a dandelion. While she, she picks the money off your tree.")

Comments: 2

  • Emiliei love this song its amazing.
  • Gb from GillHi it’s a good song
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Country Song Titles

Country Song TitlesFact or Fiction

Country songs with titles so bizarre they can't possibly be real... or can they?

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Amanda Palmer

Amanda PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Call us crazy, but we like it when an artist comes around who doesn't mesh with the status quo.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Jules Shear - "All Through The Night"

Jules Shear - "All Through The Night"They're Playing My Song

Shears does very little promotion, which has kept him secluded from the spotlight. What changed when Cyndi Lauper had a hit with his song? Not much, really.