Rose Is Still a Rose

Aretha Franklin

About Rose Is Still a Rose

"A Rose Is Still a Rose" is a 1998 single written and produced by Lauryn Hill and recorded and released by singer Aretha Franklin off the album of the same name. Written by Hill for Franklin, the song focused on a motherly figure giving advice to a younger woman who keeps getting into bad relationships. Throughout the song, Franklin advises that in spite of everything and despite the woman's "scorned roses and thorn crowns" that the woman is "still a rose". Elements of the song "What I Am" by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians were sung throughout the song by Hill herself. The video, directed by Hill and designed by Ron Norsworthy, features Franklin, Hill and other female R&B singers such as Faith Evans, Changing Faces, and Amel Larrieux and featured actress Elise Neal in the video as the protagonist along with A Tribe Called Quest rapper, Q-Tip. Released in 1998, the song became a surprise hit for Franklin, 40-plus years into her career, reaching number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number-five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart while also reaching the UK top 40. The song helped its parent album reach gold status and remains one of Franklin's most played songs from her later years. The song was Aretha Franklin's last Top 40 hit. 


Year:
2001
89 
#1

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Doo doo doo doo doo doo mmm
Dooby dooby doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo mmm

There was a rose I knew, I met her once or twice before
She was a pretty sweet thing, not the least bit insecure
Then you came with your slick game and played with her youth
Ashamed of the way you lied, played with the truth, hey, hey

Mmm, she never knew what hit her
Steal her honey, then forget her
A rose
She wears a flower
Tryin' to forget about you

Cause a rose is still a rose
Baby, girl, you're still a flower
He can't lead you and then take you
Make you and then break you
Darlin', you hold the power

Now believe me when I tell you that I've been hurt myself
When he tells you that he loves you and sees nobody else
And now you're so tough tryin' to wear tight clothes and things
Tossin' and flossin', tryin' to fill the void heartbreak brings

Oh, oh, yeah
When she faces the mirror, yeah
She's cryin', you can't hear her
Now the rose is still a rose
She wears a flower, tryin' to forget about you

Cause a rose is still a rose
Baby, girl, you're still a flower
He can't lead you and then take you
Make you and then break you
Baby, girl, you hold the power

See a rose is still a rose
Baby, girl, you're still a flower
He can't lead you and then take you
Make you and then break you
Darlin', you hold the power

Let your life be in the sunshine
Not the darkness of your sorrow
You may see your all today
When you know it'll come tomorrow

Tough to be, but life ain't over
Just because your man is gone
Girl, love yourself and love to love
Cause without him your life goes on
Without him your life goes on
Without him your life goes on

Cause a rose is still a rose
Baby, girl, you're still a flower
He can't lead you and then take you
Make you and then break you
Baby, girl, you hold the power

See a rose is still a rose
Baby, girl, you're still a flower
He can't lead you and then take you
Make you and then break you
Darlin', you hold the power

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Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25, 1942) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and pianist. In a recording career that has spanned over half a century, Franklin's repertoire has included gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, pop, rock and funk. more »

15 fans

Written by: Lauryn Hill, Edie Brickell, Kenneth Withrow, John Bush, John Houser, Alan Aly

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Writer
"A Rose Is Still A Rose" was written by hip-hop artist and Grammy Award Winner Lauryn Hill.
Release Date
The R&B song was released on February 10, 1998, by Arista Records.
Album
"A Rose Is Still A Rose" is the title track of Franklin's 37th studio album.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Award Nomination
"A Rose Is Still A Rose" received a nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 41st Grammy Awards.
Music Video
The music video for the song was directed by Lauryn Hill and features a young girl growing up in an urban setting facing various hardships.
Collaboration
It marked Aretha Franklin's collaboration with Lauryn Hill, who was incredibly popular at the time due to her association with the group, The Fugees.
Theme
The song is renowned for its empowering lyrics encouraging women that despite adversity and life's struggles, they are still worthy.
Farewell Performance
Franklin performed the song during her final live performance in Philadelphia in 2017.
Last Hit
"A Rose Is Still A Rose" is often regarded as Franklin's last great hit before her death in 2018.
Certified Gold
The album "A Rose Is Still A Rose", which featured this song as its lead single, received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Impact
Despite the evolution in music genres, "A Rose Is Still A Rose" continues to resonate due to its timeless message.

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