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The Rose (Bette Midler cover)

by Ben Freeman

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about

Sheet music for “The Rose” was often on the piano in the house where I grew up. The Bette Midler song I knew and liked best was the one about the “over the shoulder boulder holder” (I.e., a bra 😂). To the extent that I paid any attention to this song it seemed a little cheesy to me. Silly. Love is…a river? A razor? A flower? What the heck was that supposed to mean?

About a year ago we sang it at a Lab/Shul Shabbat, and I heard lyrics I had never noticed before: “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.” That metaphor was abstract to me as a kid growing up in Northern California. And I hadn’t experienced yet what it’s like to be in a winter of the soul, a period of repose before things can flower again.

Whatever season of your life you may be in, I hope my cover of “The Rose” can meet you there. Thank you for listening.

🌹 B

lyrics

Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor
That 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, its 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 taking
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

credits

released March 8, 2024
Music and lyrics by Amanda McBroom
Made famous by Better Midler

Production, arrangement, vocals: Ben Freeman
Mix: Jackson Hoffman
Master: Sam Moses

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all rights reserved

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about

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Ben Freeman New York, New York

Hey, I'm Ben. I make songs about the big hurts and quiet joys of being alive. My music is sensuous and big-hearted and rewards slow, intentional listening. I really hope it touches you.

Peace,
b.free

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