Blood Red Roses
Sting Lyrics


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Our boots and clothes are all in pawn
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

And its flamin' drafty 'round Cape Horn,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

Oh, ye pinks and posies,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

My dear old mother said to me,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.
My dearest son, come home from sea.
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

Oh, ye pinks and posies,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

It's 'round Cape Horn we all must go
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.
'Round Cape Horn in the frost and snow.
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

Oh, ye pinks and posies,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

You've got your advance, and to sea you'll go
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.
To chase them whales through the frost and snow.
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

Oh, ye pinks and posies,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

It's 'round Cape Horn you've got to go,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.
For that is where them whalefish blow.
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

Oh, ye pinks and posies,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

It's growl you may, but go you must,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.
If you growl too much your head they'll bust.
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

Oh, ye pinks and posies,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

Just one more pull and that will do
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.
For we're the boys to kick her through.
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.





Oh, ye pinks and posies,
Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.

Overall Meaning

Sting's "Blood Red Roses" is a sea shanty that paints a vivid picture of life on board a ship bound for Cape Horn. The chorus, "Go down, ye blood red roses," refers to the sailors' boots and clothes, which they've pawned in order to afford their voyage. The lyrics suggest a sense of stoicism as well as fatalism. The sailors seem resigned to their fate, which involves battling harsh weather, dangerous seas, and angry whales.


The first verse highlights the physical discomfort associated with life at sea, as the sailors face a cold and drafty journey to Cape Horn. The second verse is poignant, with the voice of the sailor's mother ringing in their ears, beseeching them to come home. But the sailors seem resigned to their fate, and embrace the challenge of the voyage rather than bemoan their situation.


The third and final verse captures a sense of camaraderie among the sailors, who face danger together and support one another. They are able to find some joy in their adventure, despite the hardships they face. Overall, the song is a celebration of the strength, determination, and resilience of sailors.


Line by Line Meaning

Our boots and clothes are all in pawn
We have nothing left but our dignity and the clothes we're wearing, and even those might not be ours for long because we're broke.


And its flamin' drafty 'round Cape Horn
The weather is bitterly cold and windy near Cape Horn, which makes crossing it especially treacherous.


Oh, ye pinks and posies
This is an expression of contempt for anything that seems soft, pretty or delicate - qualities that are not valued on the rough seas where brute strength is what matters most.


My dear old mother said to me
The artist's mother reminded him that he has a home to return to and a life beyond the harsh realities of a sailor's existence.


Go down, ye blood red roses, Go down.
This is a recurring refrain that emphasizes the inevitability of the sailor's fate and the cruel, unforgiving nature of the sea.


'Round Cape Horn in the frost and snow.
Cape Horn is a place of bitter cold and fierce storms, which makes it a dangerous place for sailors to navigate.


It's 'round Cape Horn you've got to go,
Sailors must face the dangers of Cape Horn if they want to have any chance of success on their voyage.


For that is where them whalefish blow.
The area around Cape Horn is known for its abundance of whalefish, which is why sailors are willing to risk their lives to hunt them.


If you growl too much your head they'll bust.
Sailors are expected to keep quiet and obedient, because any complaints or insubordination could be met with violent retaliation.


Just one more pull and that will do
This is a rallying cry for the sailors to push through their exhaustion and complete their task - they're almost done!


For we're the boys to kick her through.
Despite the hardships they face, the sailors take pride in their work and their ability to endure the toughest conditions the sea can offer.




Contributed by Lily C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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