A tender and rootsy affirmation of love’s simple beauty, “Love Is A Rose” became another shining gem in Linda Ronstadt’s diverse and celebrated catalog.
Released in 1975 as the B-side to her hit single “Heat Wave” (from the same Heart Like a Wheel album), “Love Is A Rose” quickly garnered its own fervent following and became a beloved staple in Linda Ronstadt’s live performances. While it didn’t reach the same chart heights as its A-side, its enduring charm and heartfelt delivery cemented its place as a quintessential Ronstadt track, showcasing her ability to effortlessly traverse genres and imbue each song with her distinctive vocal warmth. Penned by Neil Young under the pseudonym “Lawrence Hammond,” this song offered a more acoustic and country-tinged counterpoint to the rock energy of “Heat Wave,” further highlighting the breadth of Heart Like a Wheel.
The story behind “Love Is A Rose” is intertwined with Linda Ronstadt’s deep appreciation for the songwriting of Neil Young and her knack for selecting songs that resonated with her artistic sensibilities. Young had originally released his own version on his 1977 album American Stars ‘n Bars, but it was Ronstadt’s earlier, more straightforward rendition that captured the hearts of a wider audience. Her interpretation, with its gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment, subtle pedal steel, and her clear, emotive vocals, stripped away any potential artifice, allowing the simple beauty of the melody and lyrics to shine through. It was a testament to her ability to connect with the emotional core of a song and deliver it with an unpretentious sincerity.
The meaning of “Love Is A Rose” is a beautifully direct and heartfelt metaphor for the nature of love itself. The lyrics employ simple yet evocative imagery, comparing love to a rose – beautiful, delicate, and capable of both blossoming with joy and bearing thorns that can cause pain. Lines like “Love is a rose, but you better not pick it only grows on the vine” suggest that love requires nurturing and cannot be forced or possessed. The song speaks to the cyclical nature of love, its capacity for growth and its potential for hurt, but ultimately emphasizes its inherent beauty and worth. Ronstadt’s tender delivery underscores this message, conveying both the sweetness and the vulnerability inherent in matters of the heart.
For those who appreciate the authentic sounds of the mid-1970s and the versatility of Linda Ronstadt’s vocal talent, “Love Is A Rose” remains a timeless and comforting melody. Its gentle acoustic arrangement and her heartfelt singing evoke a sense of intimacy and sincerity, reminiscent of quiet moments and heartfelt confessions. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound message about the complexities and enduring beauty of love, delivered with Ronstadt’s unmistakable warmth and clarity. It stands as a testament to her ability to find and interpret songs that resonated with genuine emotion, offering a tender and rootsy affirmation of love’s delicate and precious nature.