Based out of Tucson, Arizona, Bones in the Walls is a folk rock duo featuring Cat Prisbrey on guitar and vocals, and Annie Prisbrey on piano and keyboard. The group formed while Cat was studying music under Evan Coulombe (guitarist for folk artist Joshua James). The music features heavy use of acoustic instrumentation, baritone vocals, and southwestern inspirations.
Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming
Bones in the Walls Lyrics
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From tender stem hath sprung
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
As men of old have sung
It came a flow’ret bright
Amid the cold of winter
When half spent was the night
Isaiah ‘twas foretold it
With Mary we behold it
The virgin mother kind
To show God’s love a right
She bore to us a Savior
When half spent was the night
O Flower whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air
Dispel with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere
True man yet very God
From Sin and death now save us
And share our every load
The song "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming" by Bones in the Walls is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a rose blooming from a tender stem, symbolizing the birth of the Savior from the lineage of Jesse, as prophesied by Isaiah.
The opening line, "Lo how a rose e'er blooming, from tender stem hath sprung," sets the tone for the song's contemplative and metaphorical nature. The rose represents Jesus, who has come into the world from humble beginnings. The mention of Jesse's lineage refers to Jesse, the father of King David, from whom Jesus is believed to be descended.
The lyrics further emphasize the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth, stating that the rose bloomed amid the cold of winter, when half the night had already passed. This imagery suggests that Jesus' arrival came at a time of darkness and despair, bringing hope and light to the world.
The mention of Mary, the virgin mother, is significant as it highlights her role in fulfilling God's plan. The lyrics state that Mary, together with God, brings forth the rose that symbolizes God's love for humanity. This emphasizes Mary's kindness and her unique role in giving birth to the Savior.
The song then shifts its focus to the rose itself, describing its fragrance and its ability to dispel darkness with glorious splendor. This imagery represents Jesus' role as the "true man yet very God." He is depicted as the one who brings light to the world, dispelling the darkness of sin and death.
The final lines of the song express the plea for Jesus to save humanity from sin and death and to share in their burdens. This reinforces the belief that Jesus, as both fully human and fully divine, can understand and empathize with the struggles of humanity, offering salvation and support.
Overall, "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming" is a deeply symbolic and meditative song that reflects on the miraculous birth of Jesus, his role as the Savior, and the hope and light he brings to a world overshadowed by darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
Lo how a rose e’er blooming
Behold, observe the magnificent sight of a rose that is currently blossoming
From tender stem hath sprung
It has grown and originated from a delicate and young stem
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
It hails from the lineage of Jesse, a prominent figure in history
As men of old have sung
Just as the ancients have sung and proclaimed
It came a flow’ret bright
It arrived as a luminous and radiant flower
Amid the cold of winter
During the harsh and chilling season of winter
When half spent was the night
At a time when the night was halfway through, approaching its end
Isaiah ‘twas foretold it
The prophet Isaiah had predicted its coming beforehand
The Rose I have in mind
The rose that I have in my thoughts
With Mary we behold it
Together with Mary, we witness its presence
The virgin mother kind
The gentle and compassionate virgin mother
To show God’s love a right
To properly display and demonstrate God's love
She bore to us a Savior
She gave birth to a Savior for us
When half spent was the night
During a time when the night was almost over
O Flower whose fragrance tender
Oh, Flower with a delicate and pleasant scent
With sweetness fills the air
It fills the atmosphere with a delightful and gratifying fragrance
Dispel with glorious splendor
Banish and eliminate with magnificent brilliance
The darkness everywhere
The darkness that prevails in all places
True man yet very God
Authentically human and yet truly divine
From Sin and death now save us
Rescue and deliver us from sin and death
And share our every load
And accept and bear the burden of all our troubles
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Catlin Prisbrey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind