Songs about roses span genres and eras, telling stories of love, loss, and beauty through a floral metaphor. These tracks, ranging from classics by Edith Piaf to modern hits by The Chainsmokers, reveal the rose’s enduring symbol in music.
Contents
- 1. “Kiss From A Rose” by Seal
- 2. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison
- 3. “La Vie en Rose” by Edith Piaf
- 4. “Roses” by OutKast
- 5. “The Rose” by Bette Midler
- 6. “Bed Of Roses” by Bon Jovi
- 7. “Desert Rose” by Sting
- 8. “Yellow Roses” by Dolly Parton
- 9. “Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg
- 10. “Roses Are Red” by Bobby Vinton
- 11. “Love Is A Rose” by Neil Young
- 12. “Roses” by Chainsmokers ft. Rozes
- 13. “A Rose By Any Name” by Blondie
- 14. “Roses from My Friends” by Ben Harper
- 15. “Roses” by Saint Jhn
- 16. “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones
- 17. “Paper Roses” by Marie Osmond
- 18. “Rose Tattoo” by Dropkick Murphys
- 19. “Blood Red Roses” by Rod Stewart
- 20. “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” by Hayley Williams
1. “Kiss From A Rose” by Seal
“Kiss From A Rose” by Seal uses the beauty and mystery of roses to craft a song filled with enigmatic lyrics that dive into deep themes of love. The metaphor of a rose perfectly encapsulates the complex mix of pain and pleasure in relationships, making listeners ponder the true meaning behind each verse.
2. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison poignantly captures the duality of love through its compelling lyrics, likening the beauty of a rose to the joy of love, while the pain of its thorns reflects heartbreak. This ballad has become an anthem for those familiar with love’s sharp contrasts, resonating deeply with audiences around the world.
3. “La Vie en Rose” by Edith Piaf
“La Vie en Rose” by Edith Piaf is a romantic classic that beautifully compares the bliss of being in love to seeing life through rosy lenses. This song captures the essence of being so deeply in love that the whole world seems bright and beautiful, embodying the timeless charm of French chanson.
4. “Roses” by OutKast
“Roses” by OutKast presents a candid exploration of the imperfections and realities inherent in every relationship, using the symbol of roses to depict both beauty and flaws. The song’s catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics invite listeners to reflect on the true nature of love, beyond idealized notions.
5. “The Rose” by Bette Midler
“The Rose” by Bette Midler stands out as a powerful ballad that evokes a message of hope and the enduring nature of love, likening it to a resilient rose that blooms in spring. This song has touched many with its uplifting melody and lyrics, reminding listeners that love, much like a rose, will always find a way to flourish.
6. “Bed Of Roses” by Bon Jovi
“Bed Of Roses” by Bon Jovi uses romantic imagery to portray a relationship that encompasses both the softness of love and the prickliness of challenges, much like a bed of roses. This rock ballad has resonated with fans for its honest depiction of love’s complexities, wrapped in the soothing sounds of Bon Jovi’s signature style.
7. “Desert Rose” by Sting
“Desert Rose” by Sting lyrically explores the theme of longing and the search for beauty within a barren landscape, symbolized by the rare and resilient desert rose. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics capture the essence of finding hope and beauty in the most unlikely places.
8. “Yellow Roses” by Dolly Parton
“Yellow Roses” by Dolly Parton delves into the emotional narrative of parting ways in love, using the symbolism of yellow roses to represent a gentle yet poignant goodbye. The song beautifully conveys the bittersweet reality of farewell, echoing the tenderness and sorrow of saying goodbye with the softness of yellow roses.
9. “Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg
“Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg presents an inspiring allegory of life’s journey, drawing a parallel between the growth and potential of a racehorse destined for the roses and the human quest for achievement and beauty. The song encourages listeners to persevere, reminding them that, like a racehorse, they are on a path toward realizing their full potential.
10. “Roses Are Red” by Bobby Vinton
“Roses Are Red” by Bobby Vinton captures the essence of romantic love with its simple yet poignant use of roses as a symbol of deep affection. This classic pop song has charmed listeners for decades with its straightforward melody and heartfelt lyrics, celebrating love’s timeless beauty.
11. “Love Is A Rose” by Neil Young
“Love Is A Rose” by Neil Young explores the metaphor of love as a rose, highlighting its beauty and the pain that can come from holding onto it too tightly. The song weaves a cautionary tale of love’s double-edged nature, reminding listeners to cherish its beauty while being mindful of the thorns.
12. “Roses” by Chainsmokers ft. Rozes
“Roses” by Chainsmokers ft. Rozes captures the essence of ephemeral love and fleeting moments, drawing a parallel to the transient beauty of roses. With its upbeat melody and reflective lyrics, the song resonates with listeners, reminding them of love’s fleeting nature and the importance of cherishing every moment.
13. “A Rose By Any Name” by Blondie
“A Rose By Any Name” by Blondie creatively plays with the famous Shakespeare quote to explore themes of identity and the essence of love. This song delves into the notion that love transcends labels and names, suggesting that the true nature of love is found in connection and experience, much like a rose’s beauty remains constant regardless of its name.
14. “Roses from My Friends” by Ben Harper
“Roses from My Friends” by Ben Harper uses roses as a powerful metaphor for the support and love one receives from friends during tough times. The song emphasizes how, through hardship, the genuine care and assistance of friends can be as comforting and rejuvenating as receiving roses, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and compassion in overcoming obstacles.
15. “Roses” by Saint Jhn
“Roses” by Saint Jhn delves into the depiction of intense desire and love, with roses serving as a central motif to symbolize deep affection and longing. The track’s vivid imagery and dynamic rhythm encapsulate the fervor of passionate love, invoking the timeless and universal allure of roses as symbols of desire.
16. “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones
“Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones offers a darker take on love, symbolized through the imagery of wilting roses. This song portrays themes of resilience in the face of love lost, using the decay of once-beautiful flowers to reflect the end of a relationship and the strength found in moving on.
17. “Paper Roses” by Marie Osmond
“Paper Roses” by Marie Osmond explores the theme of love’s illusions, likened to the artificial beauty of paper roses. The song poignantly expresses the realization that what might seem like genuine love can sometimes be as deceiving and hollow as a bouquet of beautifully crafted paper flowers, highlighting the pain of discovering love’s true nature.
18. “Rose Tattoo” by Dropkick Murphys
“Rose Tattoo” by Dropkick Murphys delves into the use of a rose tattoo as a powerful symbol of commitment and personal identity. This song weaves a narrative around the significance of the tattoo, representing lasting love, loyalty, and the indelible marks that personal experiences leave on one’s life, much like the permanence of a tattoo.
19. “Blood Red Roses” by Rod Stewart
“Blood Red Roses” by Rod Stewart reflects on the hard labor and turbulent lives of sailors, with ‘blood red roses’ serving as a poignant symbol for their toil and sacrifices. The song’s rousing melody and vivid storytelling highlight the grit and resilience of those who brave the sea, painting a vivid picture of their struggles through the metaphor of blood-stained flowers.
20. “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” by Hayley Williams
“Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” by Hayley Williams celebrates femininity and personal growth, using flowers to symbolize the diversity and strength found in women’s experiences. This song stands as an anthem of empowerment, highlighting the unique beauty and resilience of each individual, paralleling the distinct qualities and significance of roses, lotuses, violets, and irises in nature’s bouquet.
