Roses in the Road
The Dead Flowers Lyrics

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Shannon worked for her father
Her mother didn't bother no
She loved the arts and music
She wrote lyrics on her mirror late night
She was only nineteen
Bottled wine and caffeine
Her friends all called her crazy
Cause she loved, to dance in the rain

cre you scared?
cre you alone?
cre you happy?
Somebody's home
cre you livid?
cre you in stone?
She found roses in the road

She went to New York City
She dolled herself up pretty
Red lipstick beauty
Satin ribbons in her hair don't worry
She fought for fame and money
She got around with the junkies
She had to learn the hard way
You can't borrow, unless you beg

cre you scared?
cre you alone?
cre you happy?
Somebody's home
cre you livid?
cre you in stone?
She found roses in the road

I said hey,
Don't run away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Dead Flowers's song "Roses in the Road" tell the story of a young woman named Shannon who, despite facing neglect from her mother, finds solace and passion in the arts and music. At the age of nineteen, Shannon is depicted as someone who wants to break free from the mundane and conventional life. Instead, she embraces her own unique identity, writing lyrics on her mirror late at night and dancing fearlessly in the rain.

As the narrative progresses, Shannon decides to leave her small town behind and moves to New York City, where she transforms herself into a glamorous and daring figure. The lyrics mention her dolled-up appearance with red lipstick and satin ribbons in her hair. In this new environment, Shannon aspires to achieve fame and wealth, but she becomes entangled with the wrong crowd, particularly the junkies.

The chorus of the song presents a series of questions, asking Shannon about her emotions and state of being. It could be seen as a reflection on the uncertainties and challenges she faces during her journey. Despite the hardships she encounters, the lyrics suggest that Shannon discovers unexpected sources of beauty and inspiration in the form of roses found in the road. This symbolizes the notion that even in the darkest moments, there are glimpses of hope and beauty that can be found amidst the struggles.

Overall, "Roses in the Road" narrates the story of Shannon's pursuit of her dreams, the obstacles she encounters, and the moments of joy and revelation she experiences along the way.

Line by Line Meaning

Shannon worked for her father
Shannon had a job working for her father

Her mother didn't bother no
Her mother was not involved or concerned

She loved the arts and music
She had a deep passion for creativity and music

She wrote lyrics on her mirror late night
She would write song lyrics on her mirror late at night

She was only nineteen
At the time, she was just nineteen years old

Bottled wine and caffeine
She relied on drinking wine and caffeine to cope

Her friends all called her crazy
Her friends considered her eccentric or unusual

Cause she loved, to dance in the rain
Because she found joy in dancing in the rain

cre you scared?
Are you feeling scared?

cre you alone?
Do you feel alone?

cre you happy?
Are you happy?