Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming
The Chenille Sisters Lyrics
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From tender root has sprung!
To all the world bestowing
What men of old have sung
There bloomed a lovely flower
The winter's cold was blowing
And midnight was the hour
Isaiah did proclaim
While all the heavens were singing
The rose, by Mary, came
Through God′s almighty power
The world, salvation bringing
Though midnight was the hour
Lo, how a rose e'er blooming
From tender root has sprung!
The Chenille Sisters' rendition of "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" is a beautiful and haunting rendition of a classic Christian hymn. The song speaks of the birth of Jesus and his arrival as a savior for all mankind. The first verse speaks of a rose blooming from a tender root in the middle of winter. While this appears to be a simple statement of nature's transcendence of the winter season, it is also a metaphor for Jesus' birth in the midst of darkness and despair—bringing light to the world. The second verse speaks of Isaiah's prophetic foresight in predicting the coming of a savior, and the third verse ties it all together by asserting that the rose in bloom represents Jesus' arrival and the salvation that it brought to humanity.
The Chenille Sisters' version of this song is characterized by its three-part harmonies and the use of a simple and repetitive melody that emphasizes the powerful and uplifting lyrics. The song's arrangement includes the use of just a guitar and a mandolin, which adds a rustic feeling to the song and complements its spiritual message. The Chenille Sisters' version is particularly fitting for the holiday season, as it taps into the themes of redemption, renewal and hope that are central to the Christmas story.
Line by Line Meaning
Lo, how a rose e′er blooming
Behold, a rose that is continuously blossoming
From tender root has sprung!
It grew from a fragile root
To all the world bestowing
It is giving its beauty to the entire world
What men of old have sung
As mentioned in the ancient texts
There bloomed a lovely flower
The appearance of a beautiful flower
The winter's cold was blowing
During the cold season
And midnight was the hour
Precisely at midnight
Lo, how a rose came springing
Behold, a rose that sprang up
Isaiah did proclaim
According to what Isaiah declared
While all the heavens were singing
As the heavens were rejoicing
The rose, by Mary, came
Brought into the world by Mary
Through God′s almighty power
By the supreme power of God
The world, salvation bringing
Bringing redemption to the world
Though midnight was the hour
Despite being nighttime
Writer(s): Gordon Sumner, Traditional
Contributed by Dominic C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.