All the Flowers I Gave You I Will Never Give You Rose Again

FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.

Celebrate the beauty of flowers and all of the shades of meaning that they represent. Make a playlist of pop, rock, country, and R&B songs about roses, wildflowers, daisies, tulips, and other flowers.

michael_hamburg69 via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0, modified by FlourishAnyway

Flowers Speak Volumes

Doesn't someone in your life deserve flowers—gorgeous, fragrant, spirit-boosting flowers? It doesn't have to be a special occasion like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day to let a loved one know you care.

Flowers can convey a rainbow of emotions, from love to congratulations to sympathy. Even when you cannot muster the right combination of words to express yourself, a bouquet of roses, daffodils, or carnations can speak volumes on your behalf. Music can serve the same purpose.

Celebrate the magic of flowers with a playlist of pop, rock, country, and R&B songs about them. We have a long list to get you started.

1. "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison

The rock band Poison points out in the only number one hit of their career that love may be beautiful, but it sure isn't perfect. This power ballad from 1988 represents hair metal in its heyday.

Brett Michaels wrote the song about a failed love relationship. He was on the road, and he called his girlfriend only to hear a man's voice in the background. The relationship floundered at the same time his career was taking off, but it gave us a love song about the increasing distance between two lovers careening towards heartache.

2. "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran

Wilting supermarket flowers, old photographs, and get well cards are poignant reminders of the narrator's recently deceased mother in this 2022 pop song. They signify "memories of a life that's been loved." Understandably, the narrator is numb and emotionally devastated that the angel in his life has flown home.

3. "Roses" by Shawn Mendes

Torn about expressing his feelings to a girl he loves, the interloper in this 2022 love song decides to go for it by presenting his beloved with a rose. Although she seems happy with the guy she's with, he hopes that her feelings for him are even stronger.

"Remember that children, marriages, and flower garden reflect the kind of care they get." - H. Jackson Brown Jr., American author

(C) FlourishAnyway

4. "Black Roses Red" by Alana Grace

Black roses symbolize danger, mystery, vulnerability, or dark emotions. In actuality, black roses are a very dark shade of red, purple, or crimson.

The woman in this 2009 pop song feels empty and is drowning in her loneliness. Although she is afraid of rejection, she is also ready for relief from her sadness, thus she asks the object of her affection, "Can you turn my black roses red?"

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5. "Two Dozen Roses" by Shenandoah

"Sorry" isn't enough for whatever this fella has done. In this 1989 country chart-topper, a man is now broken-hearted, having been left by the sweetheart he betrayed. He wonders what it would possibly take to win back her love:

If I had two dozen roses, and an old bottle of wine
If I really could've hung the moon, would it change your mind
If I could cry a little harder, and get a little less sleep at night
If I had two dozen roses would it change your mind.

There are lots of ways to express regret and apologize. If you're sorry about something you've done, perhaps you can make a playlist of songs about regret and feeling sorry to convey your remorse.

6. "Forget Me Nots" by Patrice Rushen

The lady in this 1982 R&B is second-guessing her breakup with her boyfriend, believing that perhaps they gave up on love too soon. The problem, however, is that he has moved on to a new relationship. That doesn't stop this interloper from sending him a bouquet of forget me nots in an attempt to rekindle their relationship. Sneaky girl.

7. "Flower" by Kylie Minogue

I tell my daughter that I have always known her, always loved her, even before she was a twinkle in her daddy's eye. Some may think that's a silly idea, but Kylie Monogue understands it.

Written while the singer was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, this 2012 pop ballad features a narrator who lovingly addresses a future child whom she may or may not ever have. It expresses devotion and longing to perpetuate the beauty of life.

"Flowers don't worry about about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful." - Jim Carrey, American comedian

(C) FlourishAnyway

8. "Like A Rose" by Ashley Monroe

The girl in this 2013 country ballad has faced much adversity in her young life. Her father died when she was 13, and as a result, her family crumbled. Then, she got married too early to the wrong man in an attempt to escape her home life. In spite of her circumstances and bad choices, the narrator marvels that somehow she came out like a rose.

9. "The Rose" by Bette Midler

The Divine Miss M was in her prime when she recorded this 1979 pop hit, and her voice was like butter. Her signature song proclaims that even though love can be overwhelming, cruel, and capable of leaving you afraid or bitter, it most importantly has redemptive beauty.

10. "Fading Like a Flower" by Roxette

Relationships may end, but often feelings still linger. The woman in this international pop hit from 1991 is having trouble getting over her ex. Out of habit, she reaches out for him, expecting his presence. Just seeing him causes her to fade like a rose with no water.

11. "Daisy" by Zedd (featuring Julia Michaels)

When it comes to love, Daisy, the girl named after a flower, makes poor choices for herself. In this 2022 pop song, the narrator seeks to rescue Daisy from bad relationships and a broken heart. Naturally, he believes the secret to Daisy's future happiness lies in their being together:

I would take the light out the stars to help you see
Anything to guide you straight to me.

12. "Rose In December" by Halestorm

Have you found the lover who is worth the wait? In this 2001 love ballad, a man promises that while others have turned away, he will faithfully wait for his partner even through the bitterest of challenges:

Let me be your Rose In December
And I'll be standing here, until spring comes and the snow melts away
Let me be your Rose In December
I'll stand here forever, loving you, as a rose in December.

"Earth laughs in flowers." - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet

(C) E. Baker, used by permission, modified by FlourishAnyway

12 Idioms About Flowers


Flower Idiom	Meaning
the bloom is off the rose/the blush is off the rose	something is no longer new, fresh, or exciting
fresh as a daisy	well rested and energetic
a rose by any other name would smell as sweet	the names of things don't reflect what they really are
flower of the flock	best of the group
pushing up daisies	to be dead and buried
gild the lily	decorate something that is already ornate
cut down the tall poppies	criticizing people who stand out from the crowd
a bed of roses/a primrose path	an easy, luxurious life
wallflower	an introverted or socially anxious type who doesn't interact much with others at parties and other social occasions
gone to seed	declined in quality or appearance
rose-colored glasses	to perceive something in an unrealistically optimistic and positive manner
life is not always guns and roses	there's more to life than war and love

13. "Cherry Blossom Girl" by Air

Being painfully shy sometimes means missing out on love. In this 2004 pop song, the protagonist has a crush on a girl whom he dubs the "cherry blossom girl." (This is a slang term for a girl of one's dreams, a girl who is not only physically gorgeous but also has a beautiful soul.) Although others encourage him, he can't gather the courage to approach her.

14. "Coming Up Roses" by Keira Knightley

From the 2013 soundtrack of the movie, Begin Again, this ditty is about a relationship in which everything is coming up roses, but not for both partners. The narrator sees change coming, as both of their lives are heading in different directions. She's trying to find peace with it but is also conflicted about holding on to the present.

"Flowers are the music of the earth." - Marty Rubin, American writer

Ann Worner via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0, modified by FlourishAnyway

15. "Run For The Roses" by Dan Fogelberg

Who doesn't love baby horses? The unofficial theme for the Kentucky Derby, this 1982 soft rock song celebrates the destiny of a newborn colt.

Among green pastures, the young thoroughbred will grow strong to compete in the ultimate horse race, the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is a race for three-year-old horses and is often called "The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports." A blanket of roses is draped over the winning horse.

16. "Plastic Roses" by Jessica Sanchez

Plastic roses are the epitome of fakery. Unfortunately, the girl in this 2013 pop song finds herself disillusioned in love, having fallen for a player who doesn't return her feelings. She finds herself broken and betrayed, lying on the floor smelling the plastic roses from her plastic-hearted lover. (Recycle and forget him!)

17. "Lotus Flower" by Radiohead

Knowing a bit about the lotus flower helps one to understand this song a little better. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity, harmony, and enlightenment and is often used in Buddhist contexts. The flower grows in the mud and rises above the surface of the murky water to bloom. Some types of lotus flowers are also known to have psychoactive properties.

The narrator in this 2011 rock song describes his attraction to his lover as an addiction and uses the lotus flower as a metaphor for their intense connection:

Slowly we unfurl as lotus flowers
'Cause all I want is the moon upon a stick
I dance around the pit, the darkness is beneath
I can't kick your habit.

18. "Amaryllis" by Shinedown

Perhaps you're puzzled why this flower might inspire a rock song. The amaryllis is commonly known as the lily. It is valued for its willingness to bloom indoors during the wintertime and is often used in funeral arrangements as a symbol of innocence and transition.

The protagonist in this searching tune from 2012 is facing a death of sorts and references uninvited tragedies and his recent eulogy. Stuck between an old identity that still lingers and one that is waiting to blossom, he summons the amaryllis to bloom and show its colors.

19. "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations

The more this man's sweetheart breaks her promises, the more he chases her. Asking why she builds him up just to let him down, the narrator in this 1968 pop favorite pours his heart out to the girl he loves.

The young woman he lovingly addresses as "Buttercup" is messing with his mind, however. Perhaps his choice of nicknames is appropriate, as buttercups are known for both their striking beauty and the fact that they can be poisonous to some creatures.

20. "Kiss From A Rose" by Seal

This chart-topper and Grammy winning R&B song from1991 likens the magic of love to an addiction. The narrator claims that his lover's kiss brings vivid color and light to his world, as if he is being kissed by a rose against a background of grey. And like a rose with its thorns, she is his power, his pleasure, his pain.

"Where flowers bloom, so does hope." - Lady Bird Johnson, former First Lady of the United States.

(C) FlourishAnyway

Even More Songs About Flowers

Do you know a song about flowers that should be on this playlist? Make a suggestion in the Comments Section below!
Song	Artist	Year Released
21. Bed Of Roses	Bon Jovi	1993
22. Dead Flowers	Miranda Lambert	2009
23. Candle in the Wind	Elton John	1997
24. Sunflower	Lenny Kravitz (featuring Drake)	2011
25. Desert Rose	Sting	1999
26. Lotus Intro	Christina Aguilera	2012
27. Wildflower	Deana Carter	2003
28. Buy Me a Rose	Kenny Rogers	1999
29. Morning Glory	Oasis	1995
30. Flowers	Chris Young	2006
31. (I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden	Lynn Anderson	1970
32. She's a Wildflower	Lauren Alaina	2011
33. Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses	Kathy Mattea	1988
34. A Rose By Any Name	Blondie	2013
35. A Dozen Roses and a Six-Pack	Cole Swindell	2014
36. Flowers for Mama	George Jones	1965
37. Flowers on the Wall	The Statler Brothers	1966
38. Rose Garden	Nick Jonas & the Administration	2010
39. You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore	Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamond	1978
40. Roses	Mary J. Blige	2007
41. Dead Flowers	The Rolling Stones	1971
42. Carolina Rose	Gloriana	2012
43. Eighteen Yellow Roses	Bobby Darin	1963
44. Where Have All the Flowers Gone	Peter, Paul, and Mary	1962
45. Yankee Rose	David Lee Roth	1986
46. Mother Rose	Patti Smith	2004
47. Blue Orchid	The White Stripes	2005
48. Lotus Flower Bomb	Wale (featuring Miguel)	2011
49. Virginia Bluebell	Miranda Lambert	2009
50. The Yellow Rose	Johnny Lee and Lane Brody	1984
51. Roses for the Dead	Funeral for a Friend	2003
52. Yellow Roses	Dolly Parton	1989
53. When I Was Your Man	Bruno Mars	2012
54. Automatic Flowers	Our Lady Peace	1997
55. Flowers in December	Mazzy Star	1996
56. Life Is a Flower	Ace of Base	1998
57. Flower	Cody Simpson	2015
58. Guilty Flowers	Ward Thomas	2016
59. Flowers	5 After Midnight	2017
60. Plastic Rose	Maroon 5	2017
61. Paper Roses	Marie Osmond	1973
62. Mama Liked the Roses	Elvis Presley	1970
63. Push th' Little Daisies	Ween	1993
64. All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun	Jeff Buckley & Elizabeth Fraser	1997
65. Flowers	Gabi Demartino	2018
66. Sunflower	Post Malone & Swae Lee	2018
67. Red Roses for a Blue Lady	Wayne Newton	1965
68. Love Is a Rose	Linda Ronstadt	1975
69. Bring My Flowers Now	Tanya Tucker	2019
70. A Dozen Roses and A Six Pack	Cole Swindell	2014
71. Daisies	Katy Perry	2020

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is "Only A Rose" a song?

Answer: There is a song called, "Just a Rose Will Do," and I'm wondering if perhaps this may be what your grandmother used to sing? It's common to miss a word here and there when recalling lyrics.

When time shall come for my leaving

When I bid you adieu

Don't spend your money for flowers

Just a rose will do

I'll go to a beautiful garden

When my life's work is through

Don't spend your money for flowers

Just a rose will do

I want a good old-time preacher

To preach the gospel truth

I want no tales of my history

Then just a rose will do

I'll need no organization

To make a big to-do

Just have some good old-time singing

Then just a rose will do.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 10, 2020:

Peggy - She has such a beautiful voice. Thank you for stopping by! Have a lovely Easter holiday weekend.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 08, 2020:

Bette Midler's "The Rose" is rather a haunting song, at least to me. Flowers are a joy to behold in nature, in our gardens, and as cut flowers. Great topic!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 01, 2020:

Christina - Thanks for the song suggestion!

Christina Foley on February 28, 2020:

Great list - here's one more: Black Eyed Suzy by Cheri Knight

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 19, 2019:

Christopher Nowak - Thanks for the suggestion.

Christopher Nowak on December 19, 2019:

How could you possibly leave out LOVE IS A ROSE (Linda Ronstadt)??!!!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 11, 2019:

Paula - The "Yellow Rose" song at #50 is meant to represent all the covers of the traditional Civil War song, although the lyrics were altered. Thanks for the addition. I'll include Wayne Newton's versio; he was last to hit the Top 40 with it but gosh, there were several artists who did so. Hope your holiday season is merry and bright!

Suzie from Carson City on December 09, 2019:

Hi Flourish....I've thought of 2 that I didn't see listed. Is song #50 "Yellow Rose," the same as "The Yellow Rose of Texas?" I don't think so, because the latter was recorded in the '50's.....Also, I remember "Red Roses for a Blue Lady," sung by Donny Osmond.......Great list!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 28, 2019:

Aretree - The country song The Yellow Rose has the same melody with new lyrics as the traditional folk song and is on here at #50. Thanks for the suggestions.

Aretee on November 26, 2019:

Yellow Rose of Texas

Everything's coming up roses

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 14, 2019:

Dave - Thanks! Of course! Adding this.

davenmsalinas@gmail.com on June 14, 2019:

Post Malone - Sunflower

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 18, 2019:

Steven - Thanks for the song suggestion.

Steven on January 18, 2019:

Kelly Clarkson's 'Sober'... "Picked all my weeds, but kept the flowers..."

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 30, 2018:

Adalie Cousteau - Thanks for the song suggestion. Happy New Year to you as well.

Adalie Cousteau on December 29, 2018:

Another lovely new song with flowers in the title is "Flowers by The Roadside" by Whitney Tai. Its a great playlist add if you love singer-songwriters. Happy New Year everyone.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on August 08, 2018:

Humberto - Thank you for that suggested song. I've added it to the playlist. Have a terrific day.

Humberto Garza on August 08, 2018:

Hi Great Playlist! this is a Jeff Buckley cover song by Mind Cinema, "All Flowers in Time bend Towards the Sun"

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 12, 2018:

Yuio boston - Thanks for the song suggestion. I've added it at #63. Have a terrific day!

Yuio boston on June 12, 2018:

Push th' lil daisies - Ween .

PUSH THE LIL DAISIES AND MAKE THEM COME UP!!!!!!!!!!!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on February 24, 2018:

Peggy - Yes, it's hard to imagine the number and variety of flower songs! Hope you found a couple new ones you enjoy. Have a good weekend.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on February 23, 2018:

It is obvious that many people like flowers since so many are featured in song. I was familiar with some of these songs but not nearly as many as you featured. Interesting!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 23, 2017:

Dianna - That song is contagious! Thanks for the kind compliment and for stopping by. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Dianna Mendez on December 21, 2017:

I'm still singing Build Me Up Buttercup. Never knew there were so many songs about flowers. You always know how to draw us readers in for a good learning experience.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 20, 2017:

Mary - I love that idiom too. It seems so appropriate. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful holiday week. Get that husband of yours to buy you a Christmas present. You deserve it!

Mary Wickison from Brazil on December 19, 2017:

What a great list. I recognized some but not the majority. You sure hunt these down. Flowers are used as great metaphors for many aspects of life.

In your idioms, there are some I've never heard of but now I'll start using them, ' Cut down the tall poppies', I love it.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 17, 2017:

Peg - Some folks just can't see that's what they're doing -- "careening towards heartache." Thanks for stopping by. Hope this week is a wonderful one for you.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 17, 2017:

Patricia - Thank you for stopping by and giving an update. May this holiday season be a happy one for you and your family.

Peg Cole from North Dallas, Texas on December 17, 2017:

What an extensive list of flower related songs. I had no idea there were so many. Lyrics tell such an important story on so many different topics. I like your phrase, "careening towards heartache."

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on December 17, 2017:

Music music music...it keeps me uplifted all day long. I just attended a cantata at a community service last night....and it was divine. One singer sang Silent Night acapella....and it was amazing. And now here I am this morning looking at a whole collection of songs that will begin my day refreshed and renewed. The Rose sung my Bette Midler...one of my favorites. I do not know some of these so will be busy checking them out. Hoping all is good in your world...Angels are on the way...Merry Christmas ps

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 15, 2017:

Nell - Thanks for stopping by and the addition. Hope you are doing well. Have a great weekend!

Nell Rose from England on December 15, 2017:

Not sure if I missed it, but there is the Elvis song, Mama liked the roses? lol! I just remember it because my other half loved Elvis! still does, and sings it all day long! Well various Elvis songs, not just that one! great list! and I was singing away with 'buttercup!' LOL!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 14, 2017:

Kari - Thank you for the kind nd compliment! Have a terrific week!

Kari Poulsen from Ohio on December 14, 2017:

Wonderful list. I have always loved "The Rose" by Bette Midler. The quotes are fantastic!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 12, 2017:

Dora, thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words. Have a beautiful week!

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on December 11, 2017:

It's all good, but the quotes you include are exceptional. So much in this music list about the beauty and meaning of flowers, and by extension, about life. Great job!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 11, 2017:

Louise - Glad you enjoyed this. I've had it on my to do list for awhile now. Have a wonderful week.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 11, 2017:

Catherine- It's amazing that something supposedly so frivolous can convey so many shades of meaning. They sure boost the spirit. Thanks for reading!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 11, 2017:

Heidi - Thank you for stopping by! I like that one a bunch, too, and the Poison song is also a favorite. I guess I'm showing my age, but hey. Have a festive week full of holiday spirit. Thanks for stopping by!

Louise Powles from Norfolk, England on December 11, 2017:

You've certainly done your homework! There's so many good songs in there I love and sing along to.

Catherine Giordano from Orlando Florida on December 11, 2017:

It seems flowers are so much a part of our life that there is a flower for every feeling. Not surprisingly, there is a whole symbolic language of flowers. Also nut surprising, flowers turn up in songs. Thanks for this playlist.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on December 11, 2017:

Roses seem to be the flower of choice for songs! My fave rose song is in the list: Bon Jovi's "Bed of Roses." Thanks for the lovely playlist to start the week!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 11, 2017:

Frank - I appreciate your kind encouragement. Thanks for stopping by!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 11, 2017:

Rasma - Glad you enjoyed this. Have a wonderful week!

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on December 11, 2017:

love your collection brought back memories too... the Seal song did as well love these hubs and I can't say it enough

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on December 11, 2017:

Thank you for this wonderful musical post about flowers. Just right for a cold frozen world outside the window.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 11, 2017:

Linda - I probably should have named it "Roses and Other Flowers" because there are so many about roses — dead ones, plastic ones, paper ones, faded ones, etc. So far I'm not running out of ideas for playlists. It's a fun challenge thinking of new topics. Have a wonderful week and stay warm!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on December 10, 2017:

I was impressed by the number of songs about roses that are included in this article. I can understand why the flowers are so popular. They are so beautiful. I'm also impressed by the number of playlist articles that you've created! They are always interesting.