“The Rose,” performed by Bette Midler and written by Amanda McBroom, is more than just a song; it’s a lyrical exploration of love’s many facets. Released in 1979, the song became an anthem for those who have experienced the highs and lows of love. Though often associated with romance, its verses offer wisdom applicable to various aspects of life. In this post, we’ll dissect each verse to uncover the intricate meanings and messages embedded in this timeless classic.
The Meaning of “The Rose” by Bette Midler
“The Rose” by Bette Midler, it’s a lyrical masterpiece that resonates with emotions deeply embedded in the human experience. At its core, “The Rose” speaks of the resilience and enduring nature of love, comparing it to a flower that survives the harshest winters to bloom again in the spring. The song’s poignant lyrics remind us that love, though sometimes painful and elusive, is ultimately a force of healing and beauty. Through its haunting melody and evocative words, “The Rose” encourages listeners to remain hopeful and patient, believing that even in moments of despair, love will find a way to flourish.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower
And you, its only seed
[Verse 2]
It’s the heart, afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It’s the dream, afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
It’s the one who won’t be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dying
That never learns to live
[Verse 3]
When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed that with the sun’s love
In the spring becomes the rose
Verse 1 Analysis
Love as a River
“Some say love, it is a river / That drowns the tender reed”
Love can be overwhelming and powerful, much like a river. The imagery of a tender reed being drowned suggests vulnerability and the potential for love to overpower delicate emotions. This line sets the tone for the complexities and dualities of love that the song explores.
Love as a Razor
“Some say love, it is a razor / That leaves your soul to bleed”
Here, love is compared to a razor, implying that it can be painful and cutting. The idea of a bleeding soul suggests deep emotional wounds. This metaphor speaks to the darker side of love, highlighting that while love can be beautiful, it can also be hurtful.
Love as a Hunger
“Some say love, it is a hunger / An endless aching need”
Love is portrayed as an insatiable hunger, an unending desire that can never be fully satisfied. This line captures the longing and yearning that often accompany love, emphasizing its deeply consuming nature.
Love as a Flower
“I say love, it is a flower / And you, its only seed”
Contrasting the previous metaphors, love is now described as a flower. A seed represents potential and growth. This line suggests that love is a nurturing force that requires care and attention to blossom. It also implies that the individual is essential to love’s existence and growth.
Verse 2 Analysis
Fear of Heartbreak
“It’s the heart, afraid of breaking / That never learns to dance”
Fear of heartbreak can prevent one from experiencing the joys of love. The metaphor of dancing symbolizes joy, movement, and freedom. This line encourages taking risks in love despite the fear of getting hurt.
Fear of Failure
“It’s the dream, afraid of waking / That never takes the chance”
Dreams can be fragile, and the fear of failure often holds people back from pursuing their aspirations. This line encourages taking chances, even if it means facing the possibility of failure.
Fear of Vulnerability
“It’s the one who won’t be taken / Who cannot seem to give”
Love requires vulnerability and the willingness to be open. This line highlights that those who guard themselves too closely may find it difficult to give and receive love.
Fear of Mortality
“And the soul, afraid of dying / That never learns to live”
Fear of mortality can prevent people from truly living. This line suggests that accepting the inevitability of death can lead to a fuller, more meaningful life. It encourages living fully and loving deeply, without being paralyzed by fear.
Verse 3 Analysis
Loneliness and Despair
“When the night has been too lonely / And the road has been too long”
This line captures moments of deep loneliness and exhaustion. The imagery of a long, lonely night and a seemingly endless road reflects times when hope and love feel distant.
Love for the Lucky and Strong
“And you think that love is only / For the lucky and the strong”
Love often seems reserved for those who are fortunate or resilient. This line challenges that belief, suggesting that love is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Hope and Renewal
“Just remember in the winter / Far beneath the bitter snows”
Winter symbolizes difficult times, but beneath the surface, life continues. This line encourages remembering that even in tough times, there is potential for growth and renewal.
The Blooming Rose
“Lies the seed that with the sun’s love / In the spring becomes the rose”
The final lines of the song offer a message of hope. The seed beneath the snow represents potential and resilience. With love and care (symbolized by the sun), that seed will eventually bloom into a beautiful rose. This metaphor reassures that after hardship, growth and beauty can emerge.
Conclusion
Bette Midler’s “The Rose” is a poetic meditation on the multifaceted nature of love. Through its rich metaphors, the song explores the pain, vulnerability, and ultimate beauty of love. Whether you’re experiencing the highs of a new romance or the lows of heartbreak, “The Rose” offers wisdom and solace. Take these lessons to heart and remember that love, like a flower, requires time, care, and patience to grow. And always know that even in the darkest of times, there lies the potential for a beautiful bloom.