Julie London's song "Invitation to the Blues" is about someone who is excited and hopeful about love, but ultimately becomes disappointed and heartbroken. The lyrics describe how the person's heart was ready for a joyful and exciting experience, symbolized by going dancing and having a new perspective on life. However, the invitation and gestures of love they receive turn out to be misleading. The roses and the attention they received were just a pretense, and the person realizes that they were merely invited to experience sadness and heartache, represented as "the blues." The person still holds onto the idea of love, finding it captivating and irresistible. They believe there is nothing to lose in pursuing it, regardless of the disappointment they have experienced. The elusive smile and exclusive kiss from their love interest only deepen their longing for affection and connection, even though it ultimately leads to the blues, or sadness. The lyrics then shift to the person making plans for a wedding, symbolizing their desire for commitment and a future with their love interest. However, it becomes clear that their romantic hopes were misplaced. The person ends up alone, marching down the aisle by themselves, suggesting that they were left abandoned and heartbroken. The song concludes with the realization that love cannot always be relied upon and often brings heartache instead of the happiness expected. The person's plans for a wedding are shattered, and they are left with the invitation to experience the blues. Overall, "Invitation to the Blues" tells a story of hope, disappointment, and the unpredictability of love. It portrays the vulnerability and longing of someone who opens their heart to love, only to find themselves invited to experience sadness and heartache.
