Unveiling the Tale Behind Conway Twitty‘s Iconic Rendition of “The Rose”
In the tapestry of music history, there are melodies that transcend time, carrying with them stories that resonate deeply within our hearts. One such narrative lies behind the soul-stirring rendition of “The Rose,” originally penned by Amanda McBroom, a song that found its genesis in the evocative realms of tragedy and redemption.
The saga began with its debut as the thematic cornerstone of the 1979 film, “The Rose,” starring Bette Midler. Drawing inspiration from the tumultuous lives of rock and roll icons like Janis Joplin, the movie delved into the complexities of addiction, weaving a poignant narrative that struck a chord with audiences. However, it was the haunting melody of “The Rose” that truly captivated listeners, soaring to the upper echelons of music charts and etching its place in the annals of musical acclaim.
Bette Midler’s rendition of the song ascended to remarkable heights, scaling the Billboard “Hot 100” pop chart in 1980 and garnering Grammy nominations, a testament to the song’s enduring power. Yet, it was Conway Twitty, the illustrious country crooner, who would later breathe new life into the melody, infusing it with the raw emotion and authenticity that defined his craft.
The genesis of Twitty’s rendition was serendipitous, spurred by the fervent recommendation of one of his daughters, who had been moved by Midler’s rendition of the song. However, initial reservations lingered as Twitty grappled with deciphering the lyrics. Yet, armed with a printed copy of the verses, he recognized the song’s potential as a quintessential Conway Twitty hit.
In the studio, Twitty embarked on a creative journey, experimenting with different musical elements to encapsulate the essence of “The Rose.” Acoustic guitars laid the foundation, but it was a stroke of genius that led to the inclusion of Shane Keister’s dampered electric piano, imparting a haunting allure to the composition.
However, it was Twitty’s impromptu decision to infuse the song with a spoken recitation that truly set his rendition apart. Amidst the recording session, with producer Jimmy Bowen momentarily absent, Twitty seized the opportunity to interlace his soulful vocals with spoken word, breathing new life into the verses. Though unconventional, Bowen recognized the authenticity of Twitty’s vision, allowing the artist to shape the song according to his muse.
Despite facing skepticism from critics, Twitty remained steadfast in his artistic vision. His resilience bore fruit when “The Rose” soared to the summit of the country charts, marking his 35th number one single—a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the soul.
In the annals of music history, Conway Twitty’s rendition of “The Rose” stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, weaving a tapestry of emotion and redemption that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.
- Released: 1970
- Album: Hello Darlin’
- Artist: Conway Twitty
Lyrics
Some say love, it is a river
And that it drowns the tender reed
And some say love, it’s like a razor
And that it leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower
And you, it’s only seed
It’s the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It’s the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
It’s the one who won’t be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dyin’
That never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong
Just remember, in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed, that with the sun’s love
In the spring, becomes the rose