He
The Temptations Lyrics


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A rose is a beautiful flower,
I mean the prettiest in the world,
And that goes double, double for a girl.
'Cause she's like no other flower in the world.

Remember, they that first take the sweet,
But you got to take the bitter with sweet.
So remember, he who picks a rose must accept the thorns it bear.
Yeah, yeah




Talking about the goood and the bad in a woman.

Overall Meaning

The first verse of The Temptations' "He" seemingly praises a woman's beauty, comparing her to a rose. However, it also alludes to the idea that there may be more to her than just her outward appearance. The second verse provides some context, as it mentions taking "the bitter with sweet." This could be interpreted as a warning to potential suitors that a woman, like a rose, may have both positive and negative qualities. Additionally, the use of "he who picks a rose must accept the thorns it bear" can be seen as a statement about accepting the flaws and faults of those we love. Overall, the lyrics suggest that even the most beautiful things in life may have underlying complexities.


The chorus, which repeats the line "He's understanding," juxtaposes this idea with the idea of a man who is empathetic and compassionate. The song seems to be making a claim that in order to truly appreciate a woman, one must understand and accept all of her complexities, both the good and the bad. The use of the word "He" in the chorus and title of the song could be interpreted as a specific person who embodies this understanding, or simply as a representation of the ideal partner.


Line by Line Meaning

A rose is a beautiful flower,
Describing the beauty of a rose.


I mean the prettiest in the world,
Stating that it is the prettiest flower in the world.


And that goes double, double for a girl.
Comparing a girl's beauty to that of a rose, emphasizing how much prettier the girl is.


'Cause she's like no other flower in the world.
Further emphasizing the uniqueness and beauty of a girl.


Remember, they that first take the sweet,
Reminding the listener that people often go for the good without considering the bad.


But you got to take the bitter with sweet.
Implying that it is important to accept both the good and the bad.


So remember, he who picks a rose must accept the thorns it bear.
Using the rose as a metaphor for a girl, saying that whoever chooses to be with her must accept her flaws.


Yeah, yeah
Just an exclamation of agreement.


Talking about the goood and the bad in a woman.
Summing up the theme of the song, discussing the good and bad aspects of being with a woman.




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EARL SMILEY, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@DonRashad

Man when I tell you these lyrics hit different when you become an adult. I was 8 when this song came out. I always liked it but now as an adult at age 27, it takes on a whole new meaning. Hang in there, everybody!

@patricaphillips6607

Amen

@ucejayy9494

πŸ’―πŸ’―πŸ’―

@nfasiahceaser7122

God Bless you! I’m the same age as you, I feel the same. God is so good πŸ₯°

@parismorgan540

I remember watching this as a kid it does hit different as a adult god bless ❀

@gd213213

Thank you! You too brother!

3 More Replies...

@amalmohamed9512

β€œI ain’t good enough but the Lord still loves me”. Gives me chills every time😭

@kenyattatucker1279

Can y'all sing that song at the church πŸ™πŸ½πŸ™πŸ½πŸ™πŸ½πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ•ŠοΈπŸ•ŠοΈπŸ•ŠοΈπŸ•ŠοΈβ­β­β­

@kenyattatucker1279

I give you 200$ Dollar if you can sing that song at the Church

@brainytemilola8160

It's June 2023...and am still trying to set my parts straight with God....in all my unfaithfulness😒😒 He remains Faithfull... thank you Lord πŸ™πŸ™

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