Roses have been a popular symbol in songs for centuries.
They often represent love, passion, and appreciation.
Here are 20 of the best songs about Roses-from country classics to modern pop hits!
By the way, if you’re a fan of songs about roses, you might also want to check out songs about miracles, songs about photographs, songs about tattoos, songs by pink, and songs with pink in title.Kiss From A Rose – Seal
Kiss from a Rose is a song by Seal, released in 1994 on the album Seal.
The song was written by Seal and produced by Trevor Horn.
Kiss from a Rose was a smash hit, reaching number one in the United States and Australia.
The song won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
The lyrics of the song are about a man who is trying to woo a woman with the help of roses.
However, the woman is not interested in him.
The man then starts to think that maybe he is not good enough for her.
He realizes that he needs to change himself if he wants to be with her.
He starts to dress better and changes his hairstyle.
La Vie en Rose – Edith Piaf
La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf is a song about roses.
The title of the song, “La Vie en Rose”, means “life in pink” or “life in roses”.
The song was first released in France in 1947, and it quickly became popular around the world.
In the United States, the song was popularized by performers such as Jerry Lewis and Sammy Davis Jr. La Vie en Rose has been covered by many artists over the years, including Louis Armstrong, Lady Gaga, and Adele.
The lyrics of the song describe how life is more beautiful when seen through rose-colored glasses.
For many people, the song is a reminder to appreciate the good things in life.
Whenever you need a pick-me-up, listen to La Vie en Rose and remember that life is beautiful.
Desert Rose – Sting
Desert Rose is a song by Sting, released in 1999.
The song features elements of Middle Eastern and North African music, including the use of the oud, a traditional stringed instrument.
The lyrics are about a rose that blooms in the desert, symbolizing hope and resilience.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries.
It won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Despite its popularity, the song has been controversial due to its use of stereotypes about Arab culture.
Nonetheless, it remains an iconic song from Sting’s solo career.
Last of the English Roses – Pete Doherty
Last of the English Roses is a song by Pete Doherty, released as the lead single from his second solo studio album, Grace/Wastelands (2009).
The song peaked at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s music video was directed by Mike Le Han and features Doherty walking around London.
The title of the song refers to the English rose, a type of rose that is cultivated in England.
The lyrics of the song describe the end of a relationship, with Doherty singing that “the last of the English roses have died”.
However, despite the sadness of the lyrics, the song has an upbeat musical style, with a bouncy melody and Doherty’s trademark guitar work.
Mother Rose – Patti Smith
“Mother Rose” is a song by Patti Smith, released on her album Horses in 1975.
The song is a tribute to Rose tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy.
“Mother Rose” is an up-tempo rock song with Smith’s distinctive punk rock edge.
The song’s lyrics describe Hardy as a “tattooed angel” and reference some of his most famous tattoos, including those of roses.
Hardy is also mentioned by name in the song’s opening line, “Hey, Don Ed Hardy, with your tattooed hands.”
Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses – Kathy Mattea
Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses is a song written by Paul Kennerley and made popular by country music artist Kathy Mattea.
The song is about a woman whose husband has left her for another woman.
She is heartbroken and devastated, but she takes comfort in the roses that he left behind.
The rose is a symbol of love, and the fact that he left them behind means that he still loves her, even though he is with someone else.
The song is sad but also hopeful, as it shows that even though someone may leave you, they can still love you.
The rose is a beautiful symbol of this love, and it helps to give the song its emotional power.
Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a ballad about the end of a relationship.
The song reflects on how love can be beautiful, but also painful.
The narrator looks back on a past relationship and remembers all of the happy moments, but also the pain that came with it.
Despite the hurt, the narrator still holds onto the memories of the good times.
The song speaks to the idea that every rose has its thorn, and every experience, good or bad, shapes us into who we are.
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a poignant reminder that love is never perfect, but it is always worth fighting for.
Love Is A Rose – Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt’s “Love Is a Rose” is a classic song about the timeless symbol of love, the rose.
The lyrics tell the story of a young couple in love, and how the arrival of a rose can bring both joy and sorrow.
The first verse describes the joy that comes with receiving a rose, and how it can make even the simplest things seem beautiful.
However, the second verse introduces a note of sadness, as the young woman realizes that her rose will eventually fade away.
Despite this, she still believes that love is worth the pain, and that roses will always be a part of her life.
“Love Is a Rose” is a classic example of Linda Ronstadt’s ability to evoke both joy and sadness with her beautiful voice and lyrics.
Monarchy of Roses – Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Monarchy of Roses is a song by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers.
It was released as the lead single from their eleventh studio album, I’m with You, in August 2011.
The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and at number seven on the US Billboard Rock Songs chart.
The Monarchy of Roses was written by frontman Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea.
It is a mid-tempo ballad that features spaghetti Western-inspired instrumentation.
The lyrics explore the ups and downs of relationships, with Kiedis singing, “One day it will wilt / One day it will die.”
Rose Red Violent Blue – Stone Sour
Stone Sour’s “Rose Red Violent Blue” is a haunting ballad about lost love and regret.
The song opens with a simple piano line, over which singer Corey Taylor laments, “I can’t pretend that I don’t know what happened / I watched you die.”
As the song progresses, the instrumentation becomes more layered and dense, culminating in a blistering guitar solo that echoing Taylor’s pain and grief.
Throughout the song, Taylor reflects on what could have been, asking “Will someone come and save me from myself?”
The answer, of course, is that no one can save us from our own mistakes.
“Rose Red Violent Blue” is a gut-wrenching reminder of the devastating power of love, and the pain that comes with losing it.
Black Roses Red – Alana Grace
The song “Black Roses Red” by Alana Grace is a haunting ballad about the dark beauty of roses.
The lyrics describe the black rose as a symbol of elegance and sophistication, but also of tragedy and pain.
The song reflects on the many ways that love can be both beautiful and dangerous, and how even the most perfect romance can ultimately lead to heartbreak.
Despite the darkness of the subject matter, the song is ultimately pessimistic but poignant, and it speaks to the eternal power of love, even in its most tragic forms.
Roses from My Friends – Ben Harper
Ben Harper’s song “Roses from My Friends” is a loving tribute to the friends who have helped him through life’s ups and downs.
The lyrics paint a picture of companionship and support, with lines like “when you need a shoulder/you know where I’ll be.”
The song also touches on the idea that even the strongest relationships go through rough patches, with the lyrics “even roses have thorns/and friends will fight.”
However, ultimately the message of the song is one of hope and resilience, culminating in the line “we’ll rise up again.”
“Roses from My Friends” is a beautiful reminder of the power of friendship.
English Rose – Motorhead
“English Rose” is a song by the British rock band Motorhead.
It was released in 1980 as the lead single from their fourth album, Ace of Spades.
The song is about roses, and it is one of the band’s most famous ballads.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who is in love with an English rose, but she is unattainable.
He compares her to a rose that is out of reach, and he longs for her love.
The song has a melancholy tone, but it is also very uplifting.
It is a classic example of Motorhead’s ability to write catchy and memorable songs.
The Rose – Bette Midler
The Rose is a song by Bette Midler that was released in 1980.
The song is about a rose that is trying to grow in a concrete jungle.
The rose is surrounded by concrete, asphalt, and metal, but it still persevering and trying to grow.
The lyrics talk about how the rose is reaching for the sun and how its petals are opening up even though there are people who are trying to stomp it out.
Despite the bleakness of its surroundings, the rose is still managing to bloom and grow.
The song is an inspiration to never give up, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
It is a reminder that beauty can still thrive in even the most unlikely of places.
A Rose by Any Name – Blondie
In the popular song A Rose by Any Name, Blondie captures the contradictory nature of roses – both fragile and strong, alluring and thorned.
The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is trying to forget a lost love, but finds herself drawn back to him time and time again.
Despite her resolve to move on, she cannot help but be drawn in by his charms.
In the end, she comes to realize that a rose by any other name is still a rose – and that she is still hopelessly in love with him.
Rose Tattoo – Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys is an American Celtic punk band from Boston, Massachusetts, which was formed in 1996.
The band is signed to Bay State Records and has released nine studio albums.
“Rose Tattoo” is a song by Dropkick Murphys, released as the first single from their ninth studio album, 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory.
The song was inspired by a tattoo of a rose that frontman Ken Casey got in honor of his late mother.
The song reflects on the struggles and pain that Casey’s mother endured during her life.
It is a touching tribute to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere.
Run for the Roses – Dan Fogelberg
Dan Fogelberg’s song “Run for the Roses” is a classic example of a love song.
The lyrics tell the story of two lovers who are separated by distance but are united by their love for each other.
In the first verse, the narrator describes how he and his loved one are like two roses that are blooming in different parts of the world.
Despite the miles that separate them, he knows that their love will never fade.
In the second verse, the narrator reflects on how their love has grown stronger over time, and he compares it to a rose that is blooming in the middle of winter.
Rose of Sharon – Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons is a British rock band that formed in 2007.
The band’s debut album, “Sigh No More,” was released in 2009 and features the song “Rose of Sharon.”
“Rose of Sharon” is a ballad that tells the story of a young woman named Rose who is pregnant and unmarried.
The song was inspired by the Biblical story of Ruth and her daughter-in-law, Naomi.
“Rose of Sharon” is a beautiful and tragic song that captures the essence of Mumford & Sons’ music.
For The Roses – Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is a singer-songwriter who is widely considered to be one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Her song “For the Roses” is a beautiful ballad that pays tribute to the rose, one of the most beloved flowers in the world.
The song begins with a simple piano melody, which is then joined by Mitchell’s characteristic clear and emotive voice.
Smell the Roses – Roger Waters
Roger Waters is best known as the bassist and lyricist for the rock band Pink Floyd.
He has also released several solo albums, including “Amused to Death” and “Is This the Life We Really Want?” His latest album, “Us + Them,” was released in May 2018.
One of the singles from the album is “Smell the Roses,” a song about appreciating life’s simple pleasures.
The lyrics encourage listeners to slow down and take notice of the beauty around them, even if it’s just a single rose: “If we smell the roses/We might find that life still holds surprises.”
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