Ween self-released several cassette albums from their formation until 1989. Afterward, they put out three officially-released lo-fi albums: GodWeenSatan: The Oneness (1990); The Pod (1991); and Pure Guava (1992). For Pure Guava, the band signed with major label Elektra Records. The album spawned the single "Push th' Little Daisies", which was a chart hit in Australia and the United States. Under Elektra, the band released four professionally-recorded albums: Chocolate and Cheese (1994); 12 Golden Country Greats (1996); The Mollusk (1997); and White Pepper (2000). They later returned to independent labels for their albums Quebec (2003) and La Cucaracha (2007). After a 28-year run, Freeman quit the band in 2012, citing the need to focus on his alcohol and drug addiction issues. Ween reformed in late 2015 and toured extensively with no stated plans to release new recorded material.
For their first ten years of existence, Ween performed live as a duo backed by a Digital Audio Tape. With the release of Chocolate and Cheese, they expanded to a four-piece act, later adding a fifth member as well. Their live members include Claude Coleman Jr., Dave Dreiwitz, and Glenn McClelland. Ween also collaborated extensively with Andrew Weiss, who joined the band as a bassist in 1989 and also produced five of their nine studio albums. Despite never receiving much mainstream recognition, Ween developed a large, devoted cult following and garnered critical acclaim.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ween
Studio albums: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ween_discography
GodWeenSatan: The Oneness (1990)
The Pod (1991)
Pure Guava (1992)
Chocolate and Cheese (1994)
12 Golden Country Greats (1996)
The Mollusk (1997)
White Pepper (2000)
Quebec (2003)
La Cucaracha (2007)
Roses Are Free
Ween Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cut a slab of melon and pretend that you still love me
Carve out a pumpkin and rely on your destiny
Get in your car and cruise the land of the brave and the free
But don't forget to understand exactly what you put on the tree
Don't believe the florist when he tells you that the roses are free
Push it into third if you know you're gonna climb a hill
Eat plenty of lasagna 'til you know that you've had your fill
Resist all the urges that make you want to go out and kill
But don't forget to understand exactly what you put on the tree
Don't believe the florist when he tells you that the roses are free
[Repeat: x2]
Throw that pumpkin at the tree
Unless you think that pumpkin holds your destiny
Cast it off into the sea, bake that pie and eat it with me
The lyrics to Ween's "Roses Are Free" may seem nonsensical to some listeners, but they actually contain some deep and insightful messages. The song encourages listeners to take control of their own decisions and actions, even in the face of societal pressures and expectations. By using mundane activities like decorating a Christmas tree, carving a pumpkin, and eating lasagna, the song suggests that we can create our own meaning and purpose in life. It also warns against blindly accepting what others tell us, as evidenced by the line "Don't believe the florist when he tells you that the roses are free." This line could be interpreted as a metaphor for the false promises of consumerism and materialism.
The repetition of the phrase "don't forget to understand exactly what you put on the tree" reinforces the idea that our actions have consequences and we should be mindful of what we do. The reference to "the land of the brave and the free" also hints at a critique of American culture and its tendency to prioritize individualism and independence over community and collective responsibility.
Overall, "Roses Are Free" is a quirky and playful song that encourages listeners to embrace their own creativity and resist societal pressures. It's a reminder to think for ourselves and make our own paths in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a piece of tinsel and put it on the tree
Do something small and insignificant to symbolize an action you regret
Cut a slab of melon and pretend that you still love me
Pretend to have affection for someone, but barely put in any effort
Carve out a pumpkin and rely on your destiny
Take risks and let fate guide your actions
Get in your car and cruise the land of the brave and the free
Take a journey and explore the vastness of America
But don't forget to understand exactly what you put on the tree
Be aware of your actions and their consequences
Don't believe the florist when he tells you that the roses are free
Don't trust those who claim something is free, as there is often a hidden cost
Take a wrinkled raisin, and do with it what you will
Take something old and make it new again
Push it into third if you know you're gonna climb a hill
Grit your teeth and put in more effort when things get tough
Eat plenty of lasagna 'til you know that you've had your fill
Indulge in life's pleasures until you are satisfied
Resist all the urges that make you want to go out and kill
Fight against harmful desires or impulses
Throw that pumpkin at the tree
Act out in frustration and anger
Unless you think that pumpkin holds your destiny
Unless you believe that action will have a significant impact on your future
Cast it off into the sea, bake that pie and eat it with me
Let go of negative feelings and enjoy life with those you care about
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AARON FREEMAN, MICHAEL MELCHIONDO, MICHAEL MELCHIONDO, JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind