Flower Grown Wild

Bryan Adams' song "Flower Grown Wild" paints a poignant picture of a young woman who has lost her way amidst the glitz and grime of Hollywood. The lyrics tell the story of a girl who was once full of promise and innocence, but who has been chewed up and spit out by the harsh realities of life in the entertainment industry. The imagery of her being in the front row, waiting after the show, and knowing the stars, bars, pimps, and pills, sets the stage for a life that has spiraled out of control. The repeated line, "She may look like a lady, but she's just a flower grown wild," underscores her vulnerability and the loss of her true self in the pursuit of fame and acceptance.

The song delves deeper into the emotional scars and hidden pain of this woman. Despite her outward appearance and the roles she plays, she is still someone's child, a person with a history and a heart. The lyrics, "Nobody saw the tears in your silk n' lace, or the scarred little kid behind your face," reveal the inner turmoil and the facade she maintains. The metaphor of a flower grown wild suggests something beautiful yet untamed and neglected, highlighting the contrast between her potential and her current state.

Adams also touches on the tragic end that often befalls those who are consumed by the Hollywood lifestyle. The reference to the girl on the movie screen who goes home to nothing but a loaded gun is a stark reminder of the loneliness and despair that can accompany a life lived in the spotlight. The song is a somber reflection on the cost of fame and the fragility of those who chase it, ultimately reminding us of the humanity behind the glamour and the importance of compassion and understanding for those who seem lost.