Dead Flowers
Steve Earle feat. The Dukes Lyrics

In "Dead Flowers," Steve Earle sings about two distinctly different worlds - that of the wealthy elites and the darker, more desperate life of drug addiction. The song starts by juxtaposing a comfortable, luxurious setting with one that's ragged and unkempt. Earle wishes that those in their "silk upholstered chairs" don't see him in his "ragged company," pointing out the divide that separates the two different worlds. He then speaks about a woman named Little Susie, who he sarcastically calls the "queen of the underground," someone who he knows all too well. His use of "underground" signifies the world of drugs and addiction, where he's found solace from his troubles. Earle declares that Little Susie can "send me dead flowers every morning," a metaphor for being left behind by someone who is no longer interested in you. Throughout the song, Earle brings up the subject of death, indicating the intensity of the pain he's experienced.

As the song progresses, Earle takes a swipe at the wealthy elites, painting them as those who lead unfulfilling lives, placing bets and throwing lavish parties. In contrast, Earle paints the picture of himself in his dark basement room, injecting himself with drugs alone, a much more desperate picture. He's accompanied by another girl who can take the pain away, a reference to drugs who provide an escape from reality. However, the chorus remains constant, with Earle wishing for Little Susie to keep sending him "dead flowers every morning" and to "say it with dead flowers at my wedding," where he won't forget to "put roses on your grave."

The lyrics of "Dead Flowers" paint a vivid picture of the differences between wealth and poverty and the struggles that individuals are faced with in both of these worlds. It showcases Earle's talent not only in songwriting but also in his ability to tell a story that transcends beyond the music.