A Rose Is Still a Rose

Aretha Franklin

About A 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:
1998
4:27
759 
#6

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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


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"A Rose Is Still a Rose" was performed by Aretha Franklin, often referred to as the "Queen of Soul". Her impactful career spans decades with countless hits that have made music history.
Album Details
"A Rose is Still a Rose" is the title track from Aretha Franklin's thirty-sixth studio album, also titled "A Rose Is Still a Rose".
Top Chart Performance
The song debuted at the No. 63 position on "Billboard Hot 100" chart and eventually peaked at No. 26, showcasing Franklin's continued relevance and success even late in her career.
Production Credits
The track was produced by multi-talented artist Lauryn Hill, who is best known as a member of the Fugees and for her own successful solo career.
Story Theme
The song tells a story of a woman who has been cheated on or hurt, with an empowering message that despite all that she has been through, she is still beautiful, vibrant, and valuable - just like a rose.
Creative Music Video
The 1998 music video features a cameo by Lauryn Hill and uses striking visual elements such as multiple Arethas in one scene to represent the song's theme of inner strength and resilience.
Grammy Awards
The single was nominated for "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance" at the 1999 Grammy Awards. This further underlines Aretha Franklin's enduring influence in the music industry.
Critical Acclaim
"A Rose Is Still A Rose" was critically acclaimed for its lyrical depth and Franklin's vocal performance, and it is considered one of her late-career highlights.
Last Major Hit
Unfortunately, this song was Franklin's last major hit and her last song to win a Grammy before her death in 2018.
Legacy
Despite exploring a delicate topic, the song leaves listeners with an empowering message of self-love and resilience, reflecting the strength and spirit of Aretha Franklin herself. This helped cement the song's legacy in the annals of soul music.

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    A Rose Is Still a Rose

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    85,966     2,094

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1998

    Billboard #26


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