Wild Roses

Of Monsters And Men's 'Wild Roses' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into themes of pain, longing, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of nature, with wild roses and serpents on beds of leaves, creating a backdrop that is both serene and unsettling. The month of May, often associated with renewal and growth, contrasts with the singer's internal turmoil, suggesting a disconnect between the external world and their inner state.

The song's protagonist seems to be grappling with feelings of aimlessness and disconnection. The lines 'I think I wrote my own pain' and 'I feel out of my mind all the time' indicate a deep sense of self-awareness and introspection. The recurring motif of being 'wild-eyed' in the night suggests a state of heightened emotion or anxiety, where the protagonist feels both lost and found in their own thoughts. The presence of another person, who 'got me now,' hints at a relationship that provides some grounding, even if it's fleeting or illusory.

Metaphors like the moth in the sky and the serpent on the bed of leaves add layers of meaning to the song. The moth, often drawn to light, symbolizes a desire to escape or reach higher, while the serpent could represent temptation or danger. The repeated refrain 'roses, they don't mean a thing' underscores a sense of disillusionment with traditional symbols of beauty and love. Instead, the song suggests a yearning for something more profound and real, even if it means embracing the wild and untamed aspects of life and emotion.