“Buttons and Bows” is a song you’ve probably heard before. It was first published in1948 and made its first appearance in the film titled The Paleface. It would later win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Originally written with an Indian theme, the song had to be changed when film directors found it nearly impossible to work it into the script. The most famous versions of the song, however, were recorded by Dinah Shore and The Dinning Sisters.

Jay Livingston co-wrote “Buttons and Bows” lyrics with Ray Evans.
Dinah Shore was born Frances “Fanny” Rose Shore born on February 29, 1916. Her parents were Russian-Jewish Immigrants that settled in Winchester, Tennessee.
Dinah Shore contracted polio when she was 18 months old. While she recovered, it left her with a deformed foot and a limp.
Although Dinah Shore recorded the song on November 30, 1947, the song was only released the following year, 1948.
Capitol Records released Dinah Shore’s version of “Buttons and Bows.” The song was catalog number 38284. Capitol Records also released The Dining Sister’s version; it was catalog number 15184.
The Dinning Sisters, Lou, Jean, and Ginger, also released their version of Buttons and Bows. Jean and Ginger are twins.
The Dining trio comes from a family of nine children who sang at church, developing their vocal abilities from a young age.
In 1946 Lou left the band and was replaced by Jayen Bundesen.
Dinah Shore died on February 24, 1994 from Ovarian cancer. She was 77 years old at the time.

East is east, and west is west

And the wrong one I have chose

Let’s go where I’ll keep on wearin’

Those frills and flowers and buttons and bows

Rings and things and buttons and bows

Don’t bury me in this prairie

Take me where the cement grows

Let’s move down to some big town

Where they love a gal by the cut o’ her clothes

And I’ll stand out in buttons and bows

I’ll love you in buckskin

Or skirts that I’ve homespun

But I’ll love ya’ longer, stronger where

Yer friends don’t tote a gun

My bones denounce the buckboard bounce

And the cactus hurts my toes

Let’s vamoose where gals keep usin’

Those silks and satins and linen that shows

And I’m all yours in buttons and bows

My bones denounce the buckboard bounce

And the cactus hurts my toes

Let’s vamoose where gals keep usin’

Those silks and satins and linen that shows

And I’m all yours in buttons and bows

Those silks and satins and linen that shows

And I’m all yours in buttons and bows

Gimme eastern trimmin’ where women are women

In high silk hose and peek-a-boo clothes

And French perfume that rocks the room

And I’m all yours in buttons and bows

Buttons and bows

Those frills and flowers and buttons and bows

Rings and things and buttons and bows