When it comes to writing songs, flowers have been a popular choice of poetic inspiration. A particular flower that has made its way into countless ballads is the rose. The symbol of love and beauty, roses have been the muse of many talented musicians.
From rock legends to pop icons, there’s a rose-inspired melody for every music lover. These songs talk about the various aspects of a rose, from its colour to its thorns.
Join us as we delve into an eclectic mix of timeless classics and contemporary hits that center around the ever-popular flower – the rose.
“Bed of Roses” – Bon Jovi
The opening hit song on our topic of “songs about roses” is a classic from the rock band Bon Jovi, titled “Bed of Roses”. The song features the powerful vocals of Jon Bon Jovi that lends emotional richness to the track’s beautiful yet melancholic lyrics about the pain of love and the unrivaled beauty of roses.
The poetic and poignant lyrics are beautifully complemented by a balladic background of acoustic guitars and orchestra, making it the perfect track to listen to with a glass of wine while immersed in reflective thinking.
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” – Poison
This track, by renowned hard rock band Poison, features a poignant lyrical account of love gone sour, with a rose as the metaphorical centerpiece symbolizing the equally beautiful but painful aspects of romantic relationships.
In a story both timeless yet eternally repeated throughout human experience, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” speaks to the all-too-familiar experience of relationship difficulties caused by hurtful actions and miscommunication between partners.
A classic ballad with gritty power chords and a passionate vocal performance, this enduring hit remains a staple of 1980s rock ballads and the pain of love.
“Kiss from a Rose” – Seal
A stirring power ballad with a lush orchestral arrangement, “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal is an iconic ode to love and loss symbolized by the titular flower. The haunting melody and poetic lyrics evoke a sense of beauty and mystery, as the narrator tries to decipher the enigmatic signals of his beloved.
With its soaring falsetto vocals and dramatic instrumentation, the song is a perfect addition to any playlist about roses, showcasing the enduring appeal of this enduring symbol of passion and romance.
“Roses” – Outkast
Outkast’s “Roses” is a track that tackles the intricacies of modern-day relationships while incorporating the symbolic image of a rose. The song’s ambiguous lyrics, delivered by the effortless rhyming of Andre 3000, take the listener on an emotional roller coaster ride that explores the joys, frustrations and heartbreaks of love.
The soulful melody, featuring a trumpet solo by Rosario Giuliani, highlights the depth of emotion that comes with each journey. Through the rose motif, “Roses” is one of the most captivating and introspective tracks from Outkast’s discography that has secured its spot in the annals of music history.
“Black Roses” – Clare Bowen
“Black Roses” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Clare Bowen that adds depth and meaning to the classic love symbol of roses. Bowen’s soulful voice tells a story of love and pain through lyrics that juxtapose the beauty of roses with the darkness of betrayal and heartbreak.
The song’s melancholic melody coupled with poignant imagery of black roses creates a sense of mysteriousness and wonder, leaving us to ponder about the complexities of love and the meaning of beauty.
“The Rose” – Bette Midler
“The Rose” by Bette Midler is a classic ballad released in 1979 that has remained iconic to this day as it perfectly captures the universal enduring beauty and meaning of roses. The song’s earnest lyrics express how just like a rose, love can often be fragile yet resilient, with its thorns and its beauty.
Midler’s soulful and powerful vocals, combined with the emotional depth of the song’s message, make it a standout among others in the genre. Its continued relevance is a testament to its timeless lyrics, and as such, it remains a well-loved favorite among listeners of all ages.
“Roses Are Red” – Bobby Vinton
Bobby Vinton’s ‘Roses Are Red’ showcases an eloquent description of the relation between roses and love. The song delicately illustrates the romantic and emotional connection between roses and the emotional complexities of a relationship. Vinton’s vocals, coupled with the poetic lyrics, create a dreamy and wistful aura that transports the listener to the world of love and roses.
The smooth and lush melodies complement the lyrical content, creating a beautiful and harmonious soundscape that perfectly captures the beauty of roses.
“Blood Red Roses” – Rod Stewart
“Blood Red Roses” by Rod Stewart tells the story of a sailor who is leaving his love behind to go to sea. The roses in the lyrics symbolize the love he leaves behind, and the color red represents the passion and intensity of their love. Stewart’s raw and emotional vocals deliver a sense of yearning and depth to the song that reflects the bittersweet nature of the sailor’s departure.
With its poetic lyrics and strong sense of emotion, “Blood Red Roses” captures the power and beauty of love while also conveying the pain of separation.
“Red Roses for a Blue Lady” – Vic Dana
“Red Roses for a Blue Lady” by Vic Dana is a deceptively upbeat song that tells the story of a man who tries to cheer up a heartbroken woman by giving her red roses. The lyrics cleverly contrast the vibrant color of the roses with the woman’s blue state of mind, making us question whether the flowers will actually succeed in lifting her spirits.
Dana’s tender yet powerful vocals and the song’s catchy melody add depth and emotion to the story, leaving us with a feeling of both hope and uncertainty.”
“Roses and Violets” – Alexander Jean ft. Lindsey Stirling
“Roses and Violets” by Alexander Jean ft. Lindsey Stirling is a modern and innovative track. The melancholic melody reveals the classic beauty of roses, while violets provide a unique contrast to the composition. The stunning piano melody glides smoothly into the riveting violin work, bringing alive a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness.
The lyrics highlight the contrast in a relationship with the rose symbolizing love and beauty, while the violets represent the challenges that test that bond. The song is truly a masterpiece, offering an emotionally charged and moving experience.
“Roses on a Grave” – Phantom Of The Black Hills
“Roses on a Grave” by Phantom Of The Black Hills is a punk rock song that brings the topic of roses from a darker perspective. The song speaks about overcoming difficult times and finding hope amidst chaos, just like roses find a way to bloom amidst rough and rocky soil.
The lyrics are poetic and burst with metaphors and analogies, showing the beauty in the struggle, and the power of will to move forward even when life seems hopeless.”
“Yellow Roses” – Dolly Parton
“Yellow Roses” is a country ballad that expresses admiration for a faithful lover with yellow roses serving as the centerpiece of the song’s metaphorical landscape. The song captures the beauty of yellow roses and the sentimental value they hold, as the singer pours out their heart to their lover with the timeless flowers serving as a symbol of their affection.
Dolly Parton’s soulful and emotive rendition of “Yellow Roses” only adds to its resonance as a heartfelt and touching ode to love.
