The group's real history is shrouded in mystery -- they claim to be the last great '50s group and to have been kidnapped by Laotian guerillas while entertaining U.S. troops in Vietnam and not rescued until 1983.
As of 1991, they were an octet featuring four lead singers, Marty Kaniger (also guitar), Tom Lee (also guitar), Bob Wayne, and Don Raymond (also guitar), plus John Hatton (bass), Norman A. Norman (keyboards), Bob Sandman (reeds), and Damon DeGrignon (drums).
The Rose
Big Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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 taking
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
The Rose by Big Daddy is a beautiful song that deals with the complexities and contradictions of love. The song talks about different perspectives of love – some believe it is a river, while others perceive it as a razor. Through these metaphors, the song describes how love can both heal and hurt. Moreover, the third verse of the song portrays love as a flower and the beloved as its only seed. The soothing melody of the song and the soft vocals of the singer create an atmosphere of tenderness and emotions.
The chorus of the song talks about how fear can hold people back from experiencing love. The heart that is afraid of breaking never learns to dance, and the dream afraid of waking never takes the chance. The lyrics also highlight the relevance of giving in a relationship. According to the song, it is the one who won't take love that cannot seem to give it back. The last verse of the song is uplifting as it talks about hope and renewal. The seed that lies beneath the snow in winter, with the sun's love, becomes the beautiful rose in spring.
Line by Line Meaning
Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Love is often described as a force which is overwhelming and powerful, with the ability to consume someone fragile and vulnerable
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed
Some people believe love is something which is dangerous, causing great emotional pain and suffering
Some say love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need
Some people believe love is something which drives people forward, creating a burning desire for human connection
I say love, it is a flower
And you, its only seed
I believe love is something which is delicate and beautiful, requiring one special person to help it grow
It's the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
Fear of heartbreak can prevent a person from fully experiencing love and happiness in life
It's the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
A fear of failure or disappointment in love can cause someone to avoid taking risks and pursuing their dreams
It's the one who won't be taking
Who cannot seem to give
Someone who is unwilling to take emotional risks and try new things may struggle to give love and connect with others
And the soul, afraid of dyin'
That never learns to live
A fear of death or loss can prevent a person from living fully and embracing the joys of life and love
When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long
During dark and trying times, it can be difficult to find love and keep hope alive
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong
At times, it can feel as though love is something reserved only for those who are fortunate or powerful
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
Even when love seems dead or impossible, there is always the potential for growth and renewal if nurtured with patience and care
Contributed by Reagan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.