I Overlooked an Orchid

Carl Smith

About I Overlooked an Orchid

"I Overlooked an Orchid" is a country song that was a hit for Mickey Gilley in 1974. It was first recorded by Carl Smith in 1950, achieving only modest sales when it was released as a single through Columbia Records. Country act Johnnie & Jack recorded the song in 1962 as part of their album Smiles and Tears, then it was released as the B-side to their single "Bye Bye Love" in early 1963. Various people are credited with writing the song. Carl Smith has been named co-writer along with Arthur Q. Smith and Shirly Lyn. "Shirly Lyn" is a pseudonym of songwriter Troy Lee Martin, who wrote under several names to get more money from his employer, Ralph Peer of Peer-Southern. Carl Story was recorded telling a disc jockey that he wrote the song, but Carl Smith denied this version of events, pointing instead to Arthur Q. Smith as the co-writer. Kentucky historian W. Lynn Nickell has described how Kentuckian Paul Gilley wrote the lyrics, then sold the song along with the rights, so that others could take credit for it. Paul Gilley (no relation to Mickey Gilley) wrote other songs and sold them the same way, including the lyrics to "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Cold, Cold Heart", both for Hank Williams. Troy Lee Martin also copyrighted the song "If Teardrops Were Pennies" for Peer-Southern, but Nickell shows that Paul Gilley wrote it, too."I Overlooked an Orchid" was recorded by American country music artist Mickey Gilley, released in June 1974 as the second single from the album Room Full of Roses. "I Overlooked an Orchid" was Mickey Gilley's second country hit and second number one on the country chart. The single stayed at number one for a week and spent a total of fourteen weeks on the country chart. The Gilley version had a small amount of crossover interest, peaking at #104 in the Cashbox "Looking Ahead" survey, August 1974. 


Year:
1958
2:43
30 
#1

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The orchid is a flower that blooms so tenderly
To thrill the fairest lady of the land
If placed beside a blushing rose the rose cannot compare
But how was such as I to understand
I overlooked an orchid while searching for a rose
The orchid that I overlooked was you
The rose that I was searching for has proved to be untrue
The orchid now I find my dear was you

The rose has lost it's color but the orchid is the same
And I'm alone to face these lonely years
I didn't see the orchid I was looking for a rose
And now I pay the price with bitter tears
'Cause I overlooked an orchid

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Carl Smith

Carl Milton Smith (March 15, 1927 – January 16, 2010) was an American country music singer. Known as "Mister Country," Smith was the husband of June Carter (later June Carter Cash) and Goldie Hill, and the father of Carlene Carter. He was one of country's most successful male artists during the 1950s, with 30 Top 10 Billboard hits, including 21 in a row. Smith's success continued well into the 1970s, when he had a charting single every year except one. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. more »

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Written by: SHIRLEY LYN, CARL SMITH, CARL STORY

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"I Overlooked an Orchid" was initially recorded by Carl Smith and released in 1950 by Columbia Records.
Songwriters
The song was written by Carl Story, Shirley Lyn and Carl Smith, displaying a talented trio of writers.
Chart Performance
Gilley's version of the song became a much bigger hit, eventually reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Performance Style
Smith's rendition of the song, like many of his works, is characterized by a traditional honky-tonk style, a popular approach to country music in the 1950s.
Mickey Gilley's Version
In 1974, country artist Mickey Gilley covered "I Overlooked an Orchid".
Impact on Gilley's Career
"I Overlooked an Orchid" was the first number one hit single for Mickey Gilley, effectively launching his career in mainstream country music.
Recording Differences
While Carl Smith's version of the song was more traditional, Mickey Gilley's rendition added a piano and featured more of a pop-country sound, reflecting changes in country music between the 1950s and the 1970s.
Awards and Recognition
The success of "I Overlooked an Orchid" contributed to Mickey Gilley being named "Top New Male Vocalist" by the Academy of Country Music in 1974.
Lingering Popularity
Despite being released decades ago, "I Overlooked an Orchid" remains popular among fans of classic country music and is frequently played on classic country radio stations.
Metaphorical Lyrics
The song uses an orchid, viewed as a common and unnoticed flower, as a metaphor for taking a loved one for granted — a theme that resonates with many listeners.

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