(Clearlight - all one word - is a different band, a 70's symphonic prog rock band from Germany)
Black Roses
Clear Light Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many times
I know it seems that way sometimes
So gather all black roses
In your hands
And gather all black roses
In your hands
And count the petals
And the thorns
That you have known
Since you were born
Deep inside a cloudy day
Trying to hide my love away
I see you coming,
always wanting,
always waiting
Having everything your way
So let the birds sing
And cry for you
The crystal of my love
Has died for you
And count the petals
And the thorns
That you have known
Since you were born
Deep inside a cloudy day
Trying to hide my love away
The lyrics to Clear Light's song "Black Roses" convey a sense of understanding and empathy towards someone who has been hurt multiple times. The singer acknowledges the pain that the other person has gone through and suggests that they gather all the black roses, a symbol of sorrow and loss, in their hands. This can be interpreted as a way of confronting and embracing the pain that comes with heartbreak, rather than trying to run away from it. By counting the petals and thorns of the black roses, the person is reminded of all the difficulties they've faced since birth.
The lyrics also touch on the vulnerability of being in love. The singer admits to hiding their love away, perhaps due to fear of rejection or allowing themselves to be vulnerable. The image of a cloudy day adds to the sense of emotional turmoil and uncertainty that comes with love. The singer sees the other person "always wanting, always waiting, having everything your way," which can be interpreted as the other person being in control or dominating the relationship. The crystal of the singer's love has died for the other person, indicating that their love has been shattered or lost.
Overall, the lyrics to "Black Roses" explore themes of pain, healing, and vulnerability in love. The song offers a message of acceptance and suggests that embracing the pain can lead to healing and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you've been hurt
You have expressed that you have been emotionally or mentally damaged
Too many times
Numerous times before
I know it seems that way sometimes
I understand that sometimes it may feel that way
So gather all black roses
Collect all the negative and pessimistic aspects of your life
In your hands
Within your control or grasp
And count the petals
Take note of the good things and the bad things that have happened to you
And the thorns
The negative or unpleasant aspects of those experiences
That you have known
The ones that you are familiar with
Since you were born
For as long as you can remember
Deep inside a cloudy day
Metaphor for being in a gloomy mental state
Trying to hide my love away
Attempting to keep emotions concealed
I see you coming,
I am aware of your behavior
always wanting,
Constantly seeking out desires
always waiting
Anticipating for something to happen
Having everything your way
Used to getting what you want and not compromising
So let the birds sing
Allow nature to express itself
And cry for you
Grieve for your negative qualities
The crystal of my love
Symbol of pure love
Has died for you
Your actions have destroyed any affection or love
Contributed by Max O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
thislazylife707
You say you've been hurt
Too many times
I know it seems that way sometimes
So gather all black roses
In your hands
And gather all black roses
In your hands
And count the petals
And the thorns
That you have known
Since you were born
Deep inside a cloudy day
Trying to hide my love away
I see you coming,
Always wanting,
Always waiting
Having everything your way
So let the birds sing
And cry for you
The crystal of my love
Has died for you
And count the petals
And the thorns
That you have known
Since you were born
Deep inside a cloudy day
Trying to hide my love away
PsyVen
Rest in peace, Doug Lubahn -- bassist in Clear Light, and studio bassist for The Doors.
Michael Boyce
Lubahn also was bassist for The Monkees in Porpoise Song and several other of his band mates also played on it!
Michael Boyce
Along with Lonnie Mack the Wham Man.
Gary Morris
Love this band and this song. Should have been a second album.
spacepatrolman
Paul Rothchild the producer went to prison for 6 years for pot in NJ [ maybe that was the hang up []
Bill Lloyd
After Danny Kootch replaced guitarist Bob Seal they began a second album but it was never finished.
Michael Boyce
@spacepatrolman Maybe after he walked out on The Doors' LA Woman sessions in 1970?
Chuckles
It's wonderful to hear this again. Thank you so much for this.
Harry Knackers
Props to Mike Stax and Ugly Things for another amazing cover story!
newellgirl
awesome stuff..this LP is stunning...thought id heard all of the 1960's...love discovering classic gems such as this LP..these guys deserve more accolades