Black Roses
Ryan Mitchell Lyrics

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I got two wolves fighting in my head
And I’m I’m bleeding poison
Ones blue ones eyes are red
From all the nicotine
I guess it’s pretty hard to believe
In a god that’s sellin’ greed but here we are
Trading kids for cars

So bury me in roses
Black roses when I die
I’ll be there to keep you searching all your life
For the years you spent in corporate plight
Underneath fluorescent light
For roses
To fetch you back the time
Black roses on my mind

She swims in my blood like undiscovered waters
Hot tracks in the mud but I follow shooting stars
I guess it’s pretty hard to be free
When it’s hard enough to breathe
Keep your kids in school then sell your daughters

So bury me in roses
Black roses when I die
I’ll be there to keep you searching all your life
For the years you spent in corporate plight
Underneath fluorescent light
For roses
To fetch you back the time
Black roses on my mind

Black roses on my mind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ryan Mitchell's song "Black Roses" delve deep into themes of inner turmoil, societal pressures, and the quest for freedom and authenticity. The opening lines paint a vivid image of the singer's internal conflict, symbolized by two wolves fighting in his head. The mention of bleeding poison and the colors blue and red suggest a struggle between conflicting emotions, perhaps representing inner demons and external influences.

The reference to nicotine and the cynical tone towards organized religion and materialism underscore a sense of disillusionment with the world around him. The lines "trading kids for cars" highlight the societal values that prioritize material wealth over human connection and spiritual fulfillment. This juxtaposition of greed and faith sets the stage for a deeper exploration of personal and societal decay.

The imagery of being buried in black roses conveys a sense of darkness and mystery, suggesting a desire to leave behind a haunting legacy. The repetition of the phrase "black roses on my mind" reinforces a haunting presence that lingers even after death. The singer promises to be a constant reminder to those left behind, urging them to reflect on the emptiness of their corporate existence and the fleeting nature of time.

The final stanza introduces a female figure who symbolizes a beacon of freedom and exploration amidst the suffocating environment of societal expectations. The comparison to undiscovered waters and shooting stars contrasts the mundane with the extraordinary, hinting at a yearning for liberation and transcendence. The juxtaposition of keeping children in school with selling daughters further critiques the commodification of human relationships. Overall, "Black Roses" is a poignant reflection on inner struggles, societal decay, and the elusive quest for authenticity and freedom in a world consumed by materialism.

Line by Line Meaning

I got two wolves fighting in my head
I am torn between conflicting thoughts or emotions

And I’m I’m bleeding poison
I am experiencing internal pain and negativity

Ones blue ones eyes are red
One represents sadness, the other anger

From all the nicotine
Due to addiction or harmful habits

I guess it’s pretty hard to believe
It is difficult to have faith in something

In a god that’s sellin’ greed but here we are
Even though it may seem like a god is promoting greed, we still believe

Trading kids for cars
Giving up what matters most for material possessions

She swims in my blood like undiscovered waters
She is deeply intertwined in my life like uncharted territory

Hot tracks in the mud but I follow shooting stars
I am drawn to fleeting moments of joy amidst difficulties

I guess it’s pretty hard to be free
It is challenging to experience true freedom

When it’s hard enough to breathe
When simply surviving is a struggle