Alela Diane Menig (born April 20, 1983, Nevada City, California, USA) is an… Read Full Bio ↴Alela Diane Menig (born April 20, 1983, Nevada City, California, USA) is an American singer and songwriter. She grew up singing with her musician parents and performing in the school choir. She taught herself guitar, and began writing songs which blend tense, trance-like arpeggios with warm vocals and meditative lyrics about family and nature. Her first recordings were self-released in 2003 as Forest Parade. Her first solo public appearances were at the invitation of fellow Nevada City native Joanna Newsom. She also did a stint in the Nevada City slow grass band Black Bear before continuing with her solo pursuits.

The songs for her album, 'The Pirate’s Gospel', were written on a trip to Europe. They were recorded in her father’s studio and were initially self-released in 2004, in paper and lace sleeves with hand lettering. The album was issued in revised form by Holocene Music in October 2006, and received widespread critical acclaim.

A new song, "Dry Grass and Shadows", was issued on a compilation of Nevada City artists, and five more new songs were issued on a limited-edition 10" vinyl pressing, Songs Whistled Through White Teeth, released in the UK in October 2006. The Pirate's Gospel was released in the UK on Names Records in April 2007, garnering favorable reviews in The Times and NME.

Alela Diane has toured in the USA both solo and with Tom Brosseau, and has also opened for the Decemberists, Akron/Family and Vashti Bunyan. She performed in the UK in April and August 2007. According to a relatively recent interview, her second album is to be expected shortly. She now lives in Nevada City, California.

She toured Europe (UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany) in March, April and May 2008.

Pink Roses
Alela Diane Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gonna walk across the water
I'm gonna walk across the water
Unlock the skeletons in my chest
Unlock the skeletons in my chest
I'm gonna walk across the water
I'm gonna walk across that water

Stop beating that horse

Stop beating that horse
Stop beating that horse
Oh, stop beating that horse
Stop beating that horse
Stop beating that horse

I'm gonna walk across the water.
I'm gonna walk across that water.
Scatter all those ashes
Scatter all those ashes, oh
Scatter all those ashes
Scatter all those ashes, oh
Scatter all those ashes and
Throw the roses oh
Scatter all those ashes and
Throw the roses oh
Throw the roses

Throw the pink roses
Oh, throw the pink roses

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alela Diane's song "Pink Roses" are both symbolic and enigmatic. In the first verse, the repetition of "I'm gonna walk across the water" invokes the imagery of walking on water, as if the singer is calling on divine powers or a higher force to help them navigate their inner struggles. The line "Unlock the skeletons in my chest" further supports this interpretation as it suggests that the singer is looking to confront and release buried emotions or secrets. The repetition of the first verse towards the end of the song reinforces that the singer is determined to face their obstacles head-on, even if it means walking on water to do so.

The second verse references "stop beating that horse" multiple times, which can be interpreted as a call to stop dwelling on problems or mistakes of the past. The line "scatter all those ashes" could be seen as an extension of this sentiment - the ashes representing the remnants of these past troubles which the singer is ready to let go of. The final line "throw the pink roses" adds a touch of sweetness to the solemn imagery of "scattering ashes." Perhaps the pink roses represent the act of recognizing and cherishing what has been lost, even if it's painful to let go.

Overall, the song appears to be about confronting one's inner demons and finding the strength to let go of what's holding them back, as exemplified by the repeated refrain urging the singer to walk across the water. The repeated lines of "stop beating that horse" and "scatter all those ashes" emphasize the importance of moving on from past troubles, while the final image of throwing pink roses suggests a hopeful outlook on the future.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna walk across the water
I am going to explore new territories and push beyond my limits

Unlock the skeletons in my chest
Confront and deal with my innermost fears and emotions

Stop beating that horse
Stop dwelling on past issues and move forward

I'm gonna walk across that water
I am determined to overcome any challenges in my path

Scatter all those ashes
Let go of negative experiences and emotions from the past

Throw the roses oh
Embrace positivity and appreciate the beauty in life

Throw the pink roses
Specifically focus on joy and love in life

Writer(s): ALELA DIANE

Contributed by Mateo F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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