When you think of songs that touch the soul, “The Rose” by Bette Midler is often at the top of that list. This song isn’t just a melody or lyrics—it’s an emotional journey. It’s that gentle nudge, reminding you that even in the hardest of times, love is the one thing that can truly bloom when everything else seems to wither away.
The beauty of “The Rose” lies in its simplicity. It’s a ballad that speaks directly to the heart, using a flower as a metaphor for love. It doesn’t shy away from the reality that love can be painful and challenging, comparing it to a razor that can leave deep scars. But it also highlights the profound beauty and hope that love brings, much like a rosebud blossoming into full bloom.
One of the most compelling aspects of this song is how it resonates with different people in different ways. For some, it’s a song about romantic love—the kind that survives the darkest nights and coldest winters. For others, it’s a reminder of self-love and personal growth, encouraging them to embrace their own worth and potential, no matter how difficult the journey.
What’s also captivating is the way Bette Midler’s voice carries the song. Her performance is tender yet powerful, filled with emotion that makes you feel every word she sings. It’s like she’s telling a story—a story that could be yours, mine, or anyone’s. That’s the magic of “The Rose”: it feels personal, no matter who you are or where you are in life.
This song has become an anthem of sorts, often used in moments of reflection, remembrance, or even celebration. It’s a piece that stands the test of time, continuing to inspire and move listeners decades after its release. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, “The Rose” always has something new to offer, something that touches a hidden corner of your heart
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Lyrics
Some say love, it is a river
And that it drowns the tender reed
And some say love, it’s like a razor
And that it 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, it’s only seed
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 dyin’
That never learns to live
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