Roses

ABRA's song 'Roses' is a haunting exploration of the transient nature of love, youth, and beauty. The lyrics are rich with floral imagery, particularly focusing on roses, which traditionally symbolize love and beauty but also come with thorns, representing pain and challenges. The opening lines, 'Petals fall from pink roses / And everything I thought I knew / I suppose is a lie,' set the tone for a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable changes that come with it. The falling petals signify the end of something beautiful, hinting at the impermanence of love and the disillusionment that often follows.

The song delves into the singer's envy of her younger self, who was 'young and unwise and unknowing.' This nostalgia is tinged with regret and a sense of loss, as the singer acknowledges the wisdom gained through experience but also mourns the innocence left behind. The repeated mention of thorns showing suggests that with maturity comes the revelation of life's harsher realities. The line 'You taste best when you're in full bloom' juxtaposes the peak of beauty and love with the inevitability of decay, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of these experiences.

ABRA's lyrics also touch on themes of possession and control in relationships. The metaphor of ripping the rose from its roots to preserve its beauty speaks to a desire to hold onto love at any cost, even if it means destroying it in the process. The plea, 'Why don’t you love me like I love you like I want you like I need you,' underscores the desperation and unreciprocated affection that can plague romantic relationships. The song's melancholic tone and vivid imagery create a poignant narrative about the complexities of love, the passage of time, and the inevitable changes that come with both.