Introduction
“The Rose” has a melody that tugs at the heartstrings, a testament to its enduring appeal in popular culture. Notably, its inception wasn’t for the screen but the stage, as songwriter Amanda McBroom crafted this iconic tune in just 45 minutes, aiming for a vibe akin to Bob Seger’s rock ballads.
About The Composition
- Title: The Rose
- Composer: Amanda McBroom
- Premiere Date: 1980
- Album/Opus/Collection: Featured in the film “The Rose” and on the album “Growing Up in Hollywood Town” by Lincoln Mayorga and Amanda McBroom
- Genre: Country
Background
Written in 1977-78 and not originally intended for the film, “The Rose” found its way into Bette Midler’s movie of the same name, where it played under the closing credits. It became a major hit, reaching number one on the Adult Contemporary charts and earning a Gold certification in the U.S. (Wikipedia).
Musical Style
The song is characterized by its simple yet profound melody, reflective of classical influences, notably Felix Mendelssohn’s work. Its arrangement in Midler’s version focuses on piano and vocals, emphasizing the emotional depth and purity of the lyrics.
Lyrics/Libretto
“The Rose” explores themes of love and vulnerability, comparing the tender opening of a rose with the opening of one’s heart to love.
Performance History
Besides Midler’s iconic rendition, artists like Conway Twitty and Westlife have also recorded notable versions, with Twitty’s version topping the US Country charts and Westlife’s topping the UK charts (Wikipedia).
Cultural Impact
The song’s influence extends into various media, featuring in films and cover versions across different music genres, showcasing its universal appeal and emotional resonance.
Legacy
The song remains a beloved piece in popular music, covered by numerous artists globally. It also holds a place in American cinema history, ranking in AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs survey.
Conclusion
“The Rose” remains a powerful expression of emotional and musical simplicity. Its universal message of love and hope continues to resonate, making it a worthwhile exploration for any music enthusiast. For those looking to experience its emotional depth, Bette Midler’s rendition is highly recommended.
This analysis integrates detailed insights from the comprehensive article on Wikipedia about “The Rose” (Wikipedia).
Video
Lyrics
Some say, love, it is a river
And that it drowns the tender reed
And some say, love, it’s like a razor
And that it leaves your soul to bleed
Some say, love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need
I say, love, it is a flower
And you, it’s only seed
It’s the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It’s the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
It’s the one who won’t be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dyin’
That never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong
Just remember, in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed, that with the sun’s love
In the spring, becomes the rose