People have been using flower references in songs for centuries. Some are familiar to even the most casual listeners, others are well-known by music fans, while others are more obscure. Flowers are often used in lyrics to represent beauty, growth, hope, or sadness.
Here is a look at some of the most well-known songs that have evoked flowers in their lyrics, which are also some of the most popular songs ever written.
Desert Rose – Sting
‘Desert Rose’ was a hit single released in 1999 by Sting. The lyrics include the line, “Like a desert needs rain, I need your love”. In another section of the song, Sting sings, “I would be the water, and you’d be my flower”.
In this ode to monogamy, then-54-year-old Sting recounts his marriage proposal to Trudie Styler, who was 30 years younger than him at the time. She said “yes,” by the way.
The Rose – Bette Midler
Written by Amanda Mc Broom, Bette Midler first recorded ‘The Rose’ for the 1979 film of the same name. She won an Academy Award and Golden Globe award for Best Original Song for her performance of this song.
Interestingly enough, it was also prominently featured in The Simpsons episode ‘Lisa’s Substitute’, which aired 25 years to the day after this song. The rose is one of the most popular types of flowers which you will get everywhere including from The Bouqs. Co.
‘The Rose’, by Bette Midler is one of the most famous and timeless songs, and it always reminds us about the beauty and grace of the rose.
Morning Glory – Oasis
Oasis released their second album, ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ in 1995. One of the most popular songs on that album was ‘Morning Glory’, written about lead singer Liam Gallagher’s then-girlfriend, Patsy Kensit. In the song, he sings, “I wanna be adored” and “I want to live, I don’t want to give in.”
The lyrics also include, “She is my fix, she keeps me alive / All I need, morning glory”. Although the song was successful in Oasis’ native England, it did not cross over too much success in their biggest market of America.
Where Have All The Flowers Gone – Pete Seeger
Sung by many different artists, including The Kingston Trio and Marlene Dietrich, ‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone’ is an anti-war song written initially in 1955.
It describes how the youth of the day had lost their ideals, but they begin to question why they were fighting during the war. Critics have said that the song is a “haunting ballad of resignation and despair.”
Tulips From Amsterdam – Selah Sue
In 2007, Belgian singer Selah Sue released her first single, ‘Tulips From Amsterdam’, which became a massive hit in Europe. The song was featured in many popular TV shows and went platinum in various European countries.
The lyrics reference Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands and one of the most well-known places for tulip flowers. It also refers to her boyfriend taking his love away, saying, “I need to be alone until the feeling is gone”.
Roses are Red- Bobby Vinton
Originally written by Jack Lawrence in 1945, ‘Roses are Red’ was recorded by many different singers, including Dean Martin, Gene Vincent, Billy Idol, and most famously, Bobby Vinton. It is an oldie that has been covered hundreds of times across several generations.
The most common interpretation of the song is about a man who has lost his lover and is feeling sad. He reminisces about their time together and how she brought him joy. He asks her to come back, saying, “I’ll be seeing you in all those dreams I dream.”
It’s no surprise that the rose is one of the most popular flowers worldwide. Roses are not only beautiful to look at, but they have a rich history and have been written about in some of the most classic songs.
Other flowers are widely used in songs, but the rose is by far the most dominant flower when it comes to music.
