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“Few symbols in art are as layered and evocative as the rose—its petals unfolding to reveal stories of love, loss, resilience, and beauty. In song, ‘rose’ takes on an even richer meaning, touching everything from romance to defiance, making it the perfect muse for some of rock and folk’s most memorable lyrics. This list celebrates the best songs that use the word ‘rose’ to carry emotional depth and unforgettable melodies across decades. Dan Fogelberg’s ‘Run for the Roses’ captures the spirit of ambition, beautifully capturing life’s journey through a Kentucky Derby metaphor. Blackmore’s Night delivers an ethereal tale of love and longing in ‘Ghost of a Rose,’ blending folk rock with a sense of timeless mysticism. Bette Midler’s ‘The Rose’ explores the theme of enduring love, using poetic imagery to symbolize strength and vulnerability, making it a fitting close to the list.
Meanwhile, in ‘Where the Wild Roses Grow,’ Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue create a haunting duet, weaving a tragic narrative into a modern-day murder ballad. Linda Ronstadt’s take on Neil Young’s ‘Love Is a Rose’ speaks to the delicate nature of love itself, while the Dropkick Murphys’ ‘Rose Tattoo’ pays a heartfelt tribute to personal memories and legacy. Ian Hunter’s ‘Bed of Roses’ recalls nostalgic times, capturing a raw authenticity in both life and love. ‘Cactus Rose’ by Lone Justice brings the rugged spirit of Americana to life, and Bon Jovi’s ‘Bed of Roses’ stands as a power ballad that balances grit with sweeping romance. Greg Allman’s ‘Thorn and a Wild Rose’ explores the duality of passion and fragility, adding an introspective touch to the list.
Each of these songs brings something unique, using the image of a rose to paint a picture that lingers long after the music fades. From haunting ballads to rock anthems, this list offers a glimpse into just how much meaning a single flower can hold.”
# 10 – Rose Tattoo – Dropkick Murphys
The first song on this list, “Rose Tattoo” by Dropkick Murphys, embodies the heavy emotional weight of remembrance and loyalty, fused with the fierce, Celtic punk spirit the band is known for. Originally released as the lead single from their eighth album, Signed and Sealed in Blood (2012), this track holds a powerful message rooted in family, tradition, and personal history. The song received additional recognition when it was re-recorded with guest vocals from Bruce Springsteen in 2013 as part of the Rose Tattoo: For Boston Charity EP, released to aid victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The single with Springsteen’s vocals reached number twenty-five on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart, further cementing its place as a modern anthem of resilience.
“Rose Tattoo” is a deeply personal song for Ken Casey, the band’s bassist and vocalist, who wrote it as a tribute to his late grandfather. Casey’s rose tattoo on his arm is a constant reminder of his grandfather’s strength and values, which he passed on to Casey. The lyrics reflect an intense connection to family and heritage, as well as the various life experiences that make up Casey’s identity. Through a rugged, almost autobiographical narrative, Casey describes his grandfather as a source of unwavering inspiration: “This one’s for the man that raised me / Taught me sacrifice and bravery.” This tribute goes beyond a mere song; it’s an ode that celebrates the enduring spirit of those who leave an indelible mark on our lives, reinforced by the permanence of ink.
Read More: Top 10 Dropkick Murphys Songs
# 9 – Cactus Rose – Lone Justice
At this site we can never get enough of Maria McKee key and pretty much anything she’s done in her fabulous musical career. “Cactus Rose” by Lone Justice captures the raw, untamed energy that marked the band’s early career when Maria was very young. Recorded live in December 1983 at Suite 16 Studios in Los Angeles, the track is part of This Is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes, 1983, a compilation that showcases the band’s original sound in its purest form. With no overdubs and a direct-to-tape recording technique, “Cactus Rose” resonates with the immediacy of a live performance, presenting Maria McKee’s vocal gold alongside the cohesive musicianship of guitarist Ryan Hedgecock, bassist Marvin Etzioni, and drummer Don Heffington. Produced by David Vaught, who recorded the sessions to two-track tape, this version of Lone Justice offers an unfiltered glimpse into their formative years, complete with the band’s fervent blend of country-rock and punk.
Read More: 11 Best Lone Justice Songs
# 8 – Bed Of Roses –Ian Hunter
Bed of Roses by Ian Hunter is a nostalgic and vividly poetic journey through the golden days of rock, encapsulated in a modern setting that brings together legendary musicians. Featured on Defiance Part 1, Hunter’s 2024 release, the song includes contributions from Ringo Starr and Mike Campbell, adding unique flavors of both Beatles-esque rhythm and Heartbreakers’ rock edge. In “Bed of Roses,” Hunter reflects on the energy and ethos of a past era—one where the mythical allure of rock and roll was all-consuming, the scenes were wild, and every show had the feel of a once-in-a-lifetime event. The song evokes iconic imagery with its mention of Camelot and Sir Lancelot, effectively tying the mythology of Arthurian romance to the magic of rock’s golden age.
Read More: Top 10 Ian Hunter Songs
# 7 – Bed Of Roses – Bon Jovi
Written during a hangover in a hotel room, the song reflects a blend of vulnerability and resilience, with Jon Bon Jovi drawing inspiration from his struggles and the challenges of life on the road. Its poignant lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional toll of fame and the longing for a genuine connection. Musically, the song is built around a beautiful interplay of emotive piano and drawn-out guitar riffs, creating a rich and layered soundscape that underpins the song’s reflective lyrics. Richie Sambora’s guitar work amplifies the power ballad feel, and his delicate yet intense solos provide a powerful contrast to Jon Bon Jovi’s soaring vocal delivery. “Bed of Roses” became a worldwide hit, reaching No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and No. 2 in Canada
Read More: 10 Bon Jovi Songs Fans Love The Most
# 6 – Thorn And A Wild Rose – Greg Allman
Thorn and a Wild Rose by Gregg Allman brings a soulful reflection on love’s resilience, rooted in poetic lyrics and the Southern rock sound that defines Allman’s legacy. From the 1988 album Just Before the Bullets Fly, this track showcases Allman’s gift for emotional storytelling, capturing the theme of two contrasting lovers, symbolized by a thorn and a wild rose, who come together with a shared passion and a desire to cultivate something lasting. Written by Tony Colton, Dan Toler, and Bruce Waibel, “Thorn and a Wild Rose” unfolds over a backdrop of Gregg Allman’s evocative Hammond organ and rugged, soulful vocals, adding depth to the imagery of love’s challenging yet rewarding journey.
Read More: Top 10 Gregg Allman Songs From His Solo Albums
# 5 – Where The Wild Roses Grow – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds ft. Kylie Minogue
If you don’t know this song I’ve never heard the song, make sure you watch this video because this is phenomenal stuff. “Where the Wild Roses Grow” is a haunting murder ballad released in 1995 by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, featuring an unexpected duet partner, pop icon Kylie Minogue. The track, rooted in traditional folk influences, is the lead single from the band’s ninth studio album, Murder Ballads, produced by Tony Cohen and Victor Van Vugt. This track solidified Cave’s reputation for dark, storytelling-driven songs and allowed Minogue to explore a more mature, nuanced persona. The single became Nick Cave’s most commercially successful, peaking at No. 3 in Norway and securing top spots in Australia and the UK, cementing its place as a standout in both artists’ careers. The video, directed by Rocky Schenck, mirrors the somber tone, painting a tragic tale with moody visuals and dreamlike, eerie scenes that complement the narrative’s ominous undertone.
In comparison to “Rose Tattoo” by Dropkick Murphys, which celebrates the lasting memories of a loved one, “Where the Wild Roses Grow” focuses on the fragility and fleeting nature of beauty, casting the rose as a symbol of both passion and doom. “Thorn and a Wild Rose” by Gregg Allman, another track on the list, explores the painful aspects of love, similar to Cave’s take, though Cave’s narrative plunges into far darker territory. “Where the Wild Roses Grow” captivates listeners by blending folk influences with rock balladry, leaving a lasting impression in a way that only Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds could achieve.
Read More: Top 10 Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Songs
# 4 – Ghost Of A Rose – Blackmore’s Night
As the lead track and a central theme of Ghost of a Rose, this song by Blackmore’s Night stands as a hauntingly romantic ballad with folk-rock roots, blending the band’s signature Renaissance flair with deeply sentimental storytelling. The lyrics, inspired by a story of eternal love, narrate the tale of a maiden pledging her memory to her lover through a white rose, signifying an undying connection. Her spirit, like a “ghost of a rose,” lingers in his memory and becomes a symbol of a love that transcends even the mortal world. Blackmore’s use of acoustic guitar and the distinct, earthy timbre of the mandola build a dreamy atmosphere that intertwines with Candice Night’s ethereal vocals, evoking both nostalgia and the mythical aura of the past.
# 3 – Run For The Roses – Dan Fogelberg
“Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg captures the thrilling spirit and hopeful essence of seizing life’s pivotal moments. Originally written for ABC’s telecast of the 1980 Kentucky Derby, the song became more than just a tribute to horse racing; it embodied the universal experience of striving toward one’s destiny. With lyrics like “the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance,” Fogelberg reflects on the singular opportunity to rise and meet life’s challenges. This imagery of racing towards a goal aligns beautifully with the track’s legacy as an unofficial Kentucky Derby anthem, adding depth to its narrative by pairing the ambition of a racehorse with that of a human navigating life’s turning points. The single, released as part of his 1981 album The Innocent Age, resonated broadly, peaking at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and finding even greater success on the Adult Contemporary charts, reaching number three.
Read More: Top 10 Dan Fogelberg Songs
# 2 – Love Is A Rose – Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “Love Is a Rose” brought Neil Young’s tender composition into the country-rock spotlight when she released it in 1975 on her album Prisoner in Disguise. Featuring a distinctly country sound that was punctuated by the emotional clarity of her voice, Ronstadt’s version connected with a wide audience, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. This track showcased Ronstadt’s ability to effortlessly blend her folk-rock background with country influences, a trait that had begun to define her style in the 1970s. Recorded under producer Peter Asher, “Love Is a Rose” reflects the natural strength of Ronstadt’s voice, layered atop a classic country arrangement that complements Young’s introspective lyrics.
Read More: Linda Ronstadt’s Best Song On Each Of Her 1970s Studio Albums
# 1 – The Rose – Bette Midler
“The Rose,” performed by Bette Midler, has become an enduring anthem of love’s endurance and resilience. Written by Amanda McBroom in 1977, the song gained popularity when Midler recorded it for her 1979 film The Rose, where it poignantly underscores the film’s closing moments. Midler’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s evocative lyrics quickly resonated with audiences, and the single became a major success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the No. 1 spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for five weeks. It even earned Midler a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, solidifying its place as one of her signature pieces. As the closing song on this list, “The Rose” encapsulates the emotional depth and timeless beauty found in many of the songs discussed.
Read More: Top 10 Bette Midler Songs
Updated April 1, 2025
10 Best Songs With The Word ‘Rose’ In The Title article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025
“Rose Darling” by Steely Dan would fit nicely on the list.
Thats a great one! I always try to find Steely Dan songs that would fit in these style articles. I forgot all about that one. Thanks for bringing it up!