Born on 9th March 1942 in Garnant, Wales, Cale spoke only Welsh until the age of seven, when he began to learn English at school. He went on to study viola at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where he became involved in avant garde music. He traveled to the U.S. to continue his studies, thanks to the help and influence of Aaron Copland, and met and worked with various avant-garde composers, including John Cage, while becoming fascinated with the new Anglo-American art movements.
In 1965, he co-founded the Velvet Underground with Lou Reed. Though best known for his work with the band, Cale has produced a massive body of work that ranges from tastefully arranged strings and piano over Dylan Thomas poetry to barely-suppressed, nigh-psychotic aggression set to high-energy avant-garde rock. Cale's style is almost impossible to pin down, as almost every album contains new experiments and influences. He is also well known as the producer of such works as the debuts of The Stooges, The Modern Lovers, and Patti Smith (the critically acclaimed 'Horses'). He also played a major role in Nico's 'The Marble Index'.
He's released some compilation works such as 'Seducing Down the Door: A Collection 1970-1990' that attempt to show the range and depth of his music. Cale was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as member of the Velvet Underground in 1996, and he was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2010. As the years have gone by, he's had a wide variety of tours, additionally dealing with his own personal demons.
Black Rose
John Cale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Backlot Casanovas and Black Russian defectors
Are here to take your picture away
I know you don't have space left on your windowsill
Black rose, long thorn
White rose, still born
Standing on the corner just baying at the moon
Dreamstreet romance is not the same as burning love
You can light a thousand candles, you can wear your satin glove
And you can dance, dance, dance from here to Sunday
You can dance, dance, dance from here to Sunday
Black rose, long thorn
White rose, still born
Standing on the corner howling at the moon
Just another Little Miss Too-much-far-too-soon
"Black Rose" by John Cale is a song that describes the hollowness of the glamorous lifestyle of those who live in Hollywood, turning into fake and insincere relationships. The first verse highlights how the heat of the city may affect everyone else, but not those who are trying to capture the perfect shot for their media ventures. The "Black Russian Defectors" mentioned in the song refer to wealthy Russians who came to Hollywood to start a new life, but never quite integrated with the rest of the people in the city. The main subject of the song is someone who is constantly being photographed, and has probably lost touch with their true selves in the process.
The chorus of the song refers to the two types of roses: the black rose and the white rose, with the black rose symbolizing the darkness and corruption in the city, while the white rose symbolizes innocence and purity, which is rare to find in such a place. The line "Standing on the corner just baying at the moon, Just another Little Miss Too-much-far-too-soon" emphasizes that the person being spoken about is trying too hard to stand out and is ultimately getting lost in the glare of the city lights.
The second verse describes how Dreamstreet romance, which is basically quick and meaningless, is not the same as true, burning love. The lines "You can light a thousand candles, you can wear your satin glove, And you can dance, dance, dance from here to Sunday" emphasize how those who live in Hollywood have to put on a show all the time, regardless of what's real or not. The song overall can be seen as a commentary on how the shallow and eccentric people in Hollywood are losing their souls in the lure of fame and glamour.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody melting but the heat just won't affect ya
Even though everyone is impacted by this situation, you remain unaffected.
Backlot Casanovas and Black Russian defectors
Individuals who falsely portray themselves as suave or experienced in love, and individuals who have defected from Russia, are present.
Are here to take your picture away
They are here to take advantage of you, and leave you empty-handed.
I know you don't have space left on your windowsill
You have already been through enough, and do not have space in your life for any more negativity.
Black rose, long thorn
Difficult times are represented by the black rose and its long thorns.
White rose, still born
Despite the fact that the white rose represents innocence and purity, it is unable to survive and flourish.
Standing on the corner just baying at the moon
You are helpless and lost, unable to find your way out of the darkness.
Just another little Miss Too-much-far-too-soon
You are naive and have rushed into things, causing you pain and heartache.
Dreamstreet romance is not the same as burning love
Your infatuation with the idea of love is not the same as experiencing true and passionate love.
You can light a thousand candles, you can wear your satin glove
You can try to create romantic gestures, including lighting candles and wearing beautiful clothing, but these actions alone do not constitute a true and deep love with another person.
And you can dance, dance, dance from here to Sunday
You can try to distract yourself from your problems by losing yourself in the joy of dance, but this does not solve the root of your issues.
Black rose, long thorn
Difficult times are represented by the black rose and its long thorns.
White rose, still born
Despite the fact that the white rose represents innocence and purity, it is unable to survive and flourish.
Standing on the corner howling at the moon
You are helpless and lost, unable to find your way out of the darkness.
Just another Little Miss Too-much-far-too-soon
You are naive and have rushed into things, causing you pain and heartache.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN DAVIES CALE, LARRY J. SLOMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind