roses
Potf Lyrics


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I've walked the distance, I paid my dues and tried to have a go at what I thought I knew was real, held no appeal
I've been to places, I've seen the tidings,
I bought a book of rules for every coin that I could steal
And so I came to gaze upon the stars, when they were yet unborn
And consequently, tear at my old scars, and the mask I had outworn

So when I'm crying alone
Yeah, when I'm cold as a dying stone

Grow me a garden of roses
Paint me the colors of sky and rain
Teach me to speak with their voices
Show me the way and I'll try again

I've heard the rumors, started fires, I sowed a sordid lot of plays for keeps for what I need, behold the demons that I freed
I've tried my best at wearing the hard hat, but healing doesn't seem to happen when you hide away the seed
And so I came across the medicine man, and he showed me what I'd forlorn
For if I'm stayed it happens by my own hand, and my own voice full of scorn

So when I'm crying alone
Yeah, when I'm cold as a dying stone

Grow me a garden of roses
Paint me the colors of sky and rain
Teach me to speak with their voices
Show me the way and I'll try again

Without you I'm nothing at all
And life has the face of a morbid game
With you nothing is impossible
It all seems to fit the frame

So when I'm crying alone
Yeah, when I'm cold as a dying stone

Grow me a garden of roses
Paint me the colors of sky and rain




Teach me to speak with their voices
Show me the way and I'll try again

Overall Meaning

In “Roses” by Poets of the Fall, the lyrics tell the story of a journey of self-discovery and healing. The song starts with the singer reflecting on their past experiences, their failed attempts at finding what they thought was real, and buying books of rules to feel more secure. However, these efforts held no appeal for the singer. The lyrics then shift towards the singer's desire to start anew, to break free from the past, and to find a way to heal.


The chorus is a plea for help, a cry for guidance and support. The singer asks for a garden of roses to be grown for them, one that would symbolize new beginnings and healing. The roses’ colors of sky and rain would paint the sky with hope and the rain with cleansing. The singer wishes to learn to speak with the voices of the roses, to find solace from them, and to grow strong enough to try again.


The second verse is about the singer's encounters with demons and wearing a hard hat. This symbolizes their attempts to protect themselves and stay safe, but it prevents them from healing. The medicine man comes into the picture, showing the singer what they had lost and the power to move forward. The lyrics express the singer's realization that healing can only happen if they allow themselves to grow and heal.


Overall, the lyrics of “Roses” portray a journey of self-discovery, asking for guidance to help one to heal and start anew. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past, overcoming fears, and accepting help from others.


Line by Line Meaning

I've walked the distance, I paid my dues and tried to have a go at what I thought I knew was real, held no appeal
I've traveled far and endured hardships, attempting to pursue what I believed was real, but found no interest in it.


I've been to places, I've seen the tidings, I bought a book of rules for every coin that I could steal
I've explored numerous locations and observed many things, even resorting to stealing to obtain books with guidance.


And so I came to gaze upon the stars, when they were yet unborn, And consequently, tear at my old scars, and the mask I had outworn
I ventured to view the universe before it was created, causing me to confront my past wounds and shed the facade I had previously worn.


Grow me a garden of roses, Paint me the colors of sky and rain, Teach me to speak with their voices, Show me the way and I'll try again
Create a beautiful garden of roses, with shades inspired by the sky and rain; enlighten me to communicate as they do, and demonstrate the path, so I can attempt once more.


I've heard the rumors, started fires, I sowed a sordid lot of plays for keeps for what I need, behold the demons that I freed
I've listened to whispers, initiated conflicts, and engaged in deceitful activities for my benefit, releasing inner demons as a result.


I've tried my best at wearing the hard hat, but healing doesn't seem to happen when you hide away the seed
I've made an effort to protect myself and prevent further hurt, but healing cannot take place until the root of the issue is exposed.


And so I came across the medicine man, and he showed me what I'd forlorn, For if I'm stayed it happens by my own hand, and my own voice full of scorn
I encountered a wise individual who revealed what I had lost, realizing that my lack of progress is my own fault and due to my own negativity.


Without you I'm nothing at all, And life has the face of a morbid game, With you nothing is impossible, It all seems to fit the frame
Without your presence, I am nothing, and existence appears as a dismal contest. However, with you, it feels like anything is possible, and everything falls into place.


So when I'm crying alone, Yeah, when I'm cold as a dying stone
When I am sobbing by myself, and as numb as a motionless rock.


Show me the way and I'll try again
Guide me and I will endeavor once more.




Contributed by Taylor H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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