The rose
高垣彩陽 Lyrics


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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

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

Overall Meaning

The song "The Rose" by Bette Midler has been interpreted by many artists over the years, but the version by 高垣彩陽 is particularly striking. The lyrics of the song explore the various aspects of love and its impact on people's lives. The opening lines describe love as a force that can both nurture and destroy - it can be a river that nourishes life, or a razor that inflicts deep wounds. The third line suggests that love can be an insatiable hunger that can never be satisfied, while the final line offers a more optimistic view: love is like a flower, and the person you love is the one who nurtures it.


The second verse talks about the fears that can hold people back from experiencing love. The heart that is afraid of breaking will never be able to experience the joy of dancing, while the dreamer who fears waking will never take the chance to pursue their dreams. The person who is afraid of being vulnerable and refuses to be taken by love cannot give it in return. Finally, the soul that fears death will never truly learn to live. These lines speak to the many ways in which fear can cripple people and prevent them from experiencing the fullness of life.


The song ends on a note of hope, reminding listeners that even in the darkest of times, love can still flourish. The image of a seed buried deep beneath the snow, waiting for the warmth of the sun to bloom into a beautiful rose, is a powerful one. It speaks to the idea that even when we feel lost or alone, there is always the potential for growth and renewal.


Overall, "The Rose" is a song that explores the many facets of love and how it can impact our lives. From the joy and beauty of nurturing a relationship, to the fear and vulnerability that can hold us back, the lyrics offer a poignant reflection on the human experience.


Line by Line Meaning

Some say love it is a river
Love is often compared to the flow of a river; it can be powerful, and if not respected, it can cause harm.


That drowns the tender reed
If one is not careful with love, it can easily destroy what is initially fragile and delicate.


Some say love it is a razor
Love is also compared to a sharp razor, which can cut your soul and bring pain.


That leaves your soul to bleed
Love can be painful, leaving emotional wounds that take a long time to heal.


Some say love it is a hunger
Love can create a continuous yearning, an insatiable appetite that can never be fully satisfied.


An endless aching need
Love can create an unending longing, a desire that can be difficult to fulfill.


I say love it is a flower
The singer presents an alternative view of love, likening it to a blooming flower.


And you its only seed
The singer sees the individual as the only seed for love to take root.


It's the heart afraid of breaking
Fear of heartbreak can prevent one from fully experiencing love.


That never learns to dance
Those who are afraid to take risks in love often do not learn to fully embrace it or enjoy it.


It's the dream afraid of waking
A dream that is afraid of waking is like love that is afraid of being realized.


That never takes the chance
Not taking a chance can lead to missed opportunities, including the possibility of finding love.


It's the one who won't be taken
Those who are afraid to be vulnerable and let themselves be loved may never find true love.


Who cannot seem to give
The inability to give love can prevent one from receiving it in return.


And the soul afraid of dyin'
Fear of death can be linked to fear of living, which can prevent someone from fully embracing love.


That never learns to live
Those who are afraid to take risks in love, or in life in general, may never learn to live life fully.


When the night has been too lonely
After periods of loneliness, love can feel like a beacon of hope and comfort.


And the road has been too long
Long journeys or difficult experiences, both in life and in love, can create a stronger appreciation for love.


And you think that love is only
Sometimes it can seem like love is only meant for a certain group of people.


For the lucky and the strong
Those who are fortunate, and who have strength or confidence, may seem to have an easier time finding love.


Just remember in the winter
Even in the cold, harsh season, love can still exist and blossom.


Far beneath the bitter snows
At first glance, it may seem that love is buried or dead, but it can actually be dormant, waiting for the right conditions to thrive.


Lies the seed that with the sun's love
Love can be reawakened and grow with the warmth and light of the right person or circumstances.


In the spring becomes the rose
Love can bloom and bring beauty and joy, even after a long, cold winter of waiting.




Writer(s): Amanda Mcbroom

Contributed by Hailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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