Her first album, Abbey Lincoln's Affair, A Story of a Girl in Love was released in 1956. Also that year Lincoln starred in the film The Girl Can't Help It, for which she famously wore a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe.
Lincoln sang on the 1960s landmark jazz civil rights recording, We Insist! - Freedom Now Suite in 1960 by jazz musician and Lincolns husband from 1962-1970, Max Roach. Especially since this album, Abbey Lincoln was connected to the political fight against racism in the United States.
She co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges in 1968's For Love of Ivy and received a 1969 Golden Globe nomination for her appearance in the film. She also starred in the 1990 Spike Lee movie Mo' Better Blues.
In 2003, she received the National Endowment for the Arts NEA Jazz Masters Award.
Lincoln died on August 14, 2010 in Manhattan at the age of 80. Although no official cause of death was given, Lincoln had suffered deteriorating health following open heart surgery in 2007. She passed away in a Manhattan nursing home.
Tender as a Rose
Abbey Lincoln Lyrics
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She was as soft as snowy down
And from her head down to her toes
She was a dream that hung around
She was as fresh as April
Warm as may
And all the fellas threw their hearts away
I guess that Joe was pretty sick
His feelings went from cold to hot
Her love to him was just a kick
His ego needed her a lot
And when he took her away she wore a smile
Fate crossed its fingers for that lovely child
Cause all of her lovin' was Joe's
She was as tender as a rose
She came back walking all alone
She wasn't gone for very long
She came back with a heart of stone
We knew that everything had gone wrong
And when you ask her why she's out each night
She'll say, "Brother, once I tried to be right
Once all of my loving was Joe's
I was as tender as a rose."
She was as tender as a rose
The lyrics to Abbey Lincoln’s “Tender as a Rose” explore the tender and captivating nature of the singer, who is described as being “as tender as a rose” and “as soft as snowy down.” She is portrayed as a dream-like figure, who captivates the hearts of all who lay eyes on her. Although many men pursue her, her love was reserved solely for Joe, who initially reciprocated her feelings but eventually became emotionally distant, treating her affection as a mere ego boost. Despite this, the singer remains steadfast in her love, dedicating all of her affections to Joe alone.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that there is a sad tinge to the singer’s story. She eventually returns alone, with a “heart of stone,” indicating that her love for Joe has been shattered. The lyrics suggest that something in their relationship went wrong, causing her to lose the tenderness that was so characteristic of her. Although she once gave all of her love to Joe, she is now aloof and detached, no longer as soft and captivating as before.
In summary, “Tender as a Rose” is a melancholy ballad that explores the nature of unrequited love and the effects it can have on a person’s spirit. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a once-tender protagonist who is now distant and aloof, having lost her heart to someone who couldn’t reciprocate her love.
Line by Line Meaning
She was as tender as a rose
She possessed a delicate nature and was easily approachable, just like the gentle flower.
She was as soft as snowy down
Her mannerisms were gentle and soothing, like the softness of snowflakes.
And from her head down to her toes
Her charm was evident in her entire being, from top to bottom.
She was a dream that hung around
She had an ethereal presence, like a dream that lingers in one's mind.
She was as fresh as April
Her personality radiated like the freshness of springtime.
Warm as may
Her warmth was reminiscent of the pleasant weather in May.
And all the fellas threw their hearts away
She had a captivating presence that made men enamored with her.
But all of her lovin' was Joe?s she was as tender as a rose
Despite the attention from other men, she remained faithful to Joe, and her gentle nature stayed intact.
I guess that Joe was pretty sick
It seemed that Joe had some internal struggles he was grappling with.
His feelings went from cold to hot
Joe had mood swings that went from indifference to intense passion.
Her love to him was just a kick
To Joe, her affection was just a passing infatuation.
His ego needed her a lot
Joe required her attention and validation to feed his ego.
And when he took her away she wore a smile
She appeared happy when Joe took her away, but it was not entirely genuine.
Fate crossed its fingers for that lovely child
The future was uncertain for her, and fate had a role in what was to come.
Cause all of her lovin' was Joe's
She remained loyal to Joe despite his flaws.
She came back walking all alone
She returned without Joe, indicating that something had happened during her absence.
She wasn't gone for very long
Her departure was brief, but significant changes happened in this time.
She came back with a heart of stone
Her heart had turned cold and unyielding after her experience.
We knew that everything had gone wrong
Others could sense her change and knew that something had gone awry.
And when you ask her why she's out each night
She had started going out at night, which was a change from her usual routine.
She'll say, "Brother, once I tried to be right
Her actions were a result of trying to do what was best for her and her relationship with Joe.
Once all of my loving was Joe's
She had given all her love to Joe, which had changed her in many ways.
I was as tender as a rose.
Despite all the changes, her fundamental nature remained gentle and delicate.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: PHIL MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind