Red Roses for a declaration of love, daisies for innocence, and sunflowers for happiness – pop culture references flowers, whether it be novels, books, or music.
They’re the perfect way of saying what you mean, well, without saying it. They’ve also been an inspiration for musicians and lyricists in every culture.
Below we have compiled a list of the 60 Best Songs About Flowers across every genre, from rock to rap, to help you discover the one you need to express your affections.
Here are The 60 Best Songs About Flowers
- Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
- Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
- Life Is A Flower – Ace Base
- Lotus Flower – Radiohead
- For The Roses – Joni Mitchell
- Like A Rose – Ashley Monroe
- Run For The Roses – Dan Fogelberg
- Kiss From A Rose – Seal
- Bed Of Roses – Bon Jovi
- Marigold – Nirvana
- Sunflower – Rex Orange County
- Dead Flowers – The Rolling Stones
- Fading Like A Flower – Roxette
- Sunflower – Harry Styles
- The Rose – Bette Midler
- Black Roses Red – Alana Grace
- Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
- (Nothing But) Flowers – Talking Heads
- Cherry Blossom Girl – Air
- La Vie en Rose—Edith Piaf
- Coming Up Roses – Keira Knightley
- Tiptoe Thru The Tulips – Al Dubin And Joe Burke
- Daisy – Zedd Ft. Julia Michaels
- You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore – Barbara Streisand And Neil Diamond
- Dead Flowers – Miranda Lambert
- Sunflower – Lenny Kravitz (Featuring Drake)
- Desert Rose – Sting
- Buy Me a Rose – Kenny Rogers
- Flowers – Chris Young
- The Flower Garden – Joe Hisaishi
- A Rose – Any Name – Blondie
- Rose Garden – Nick Jonas & the Administration
- Daisies – Katy Perry
- Flowers in Your Hair – The Lumineers
- Sunflower – Post Malone featuring Swae Lee
- Dandelions – Ruth B
- Blue Orchid – The White Stripes
- Last of the English Roses – Pete Doherty
- Forget Me Nots – Patrice Rushen
- Edelweiss – The Sound of Music (OST)
- Monarchy of Roses – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
- Sunflower – Vampire Weekend
- Daisy Jane – America
- Orange Blossom Special – Johnny Cash
- Magnolia – Playboi Carti
- Roses – The Chainsmokers
- Flowers on the Wall – The Statler Brothers
- Wildflower – 5 Seconds of Summer
- Black Water Lilies – Aurora
- Gold Roses – Rick Ross featuring Drake
- Carolina Rose – Gloriana
- Where Have All the Flowers Gone – Pete Seeger
- Please Don’t Eat the Daisies – Doris Day
- Lavender – Marillion
- Dandelion – The Rolling Stones
- Say, Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose – Tony Orlando and Dawn
- Where the Wild Roses Grow – Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds featuring Kylie Minogue
- Pictures of Lily – The Who
- Flowers – Miley Cyrus
1. Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
Starting with the band’s signature song, this power has one of the most beautiful guitar processions- and message too – you gain some you lose some. Rumored to be about the lead singer’s failed love affair with his girlfriend, this is the band’s only number 1 Billboard hit. The song was also named number 34 on VH1‘s “100 Greatest Songs of the 80s”, number 100 on their “100 Greatest Love Songs”
2. Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
Although Ed Sheeran has penned down some pretty heartbreaking tracks, this is the one that makes me cry every time, without fail. Written in tribute to his late grandmother, this is the closing track from his 3rd album ÷ (Divide) and charted at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
3. Life Is A Flower – Ace Base
This uplifting anthem, full of optimism and sunshine, is the first single from the group’s third album, Flowers (1998). It’s one of those songs I grew up listening to with my mum in the car and absolutely adored. It peaked at number 1 in Hungary and was a top-ten hit across Europe, and the UK.
4. Lotus Flower – Radiohead
Radiohead is one of the most exciting bans when it comes to lyrics. Whether you consider the lotus a euphemism or a Buddhist reference, Yorke’s vocals will take your breath away. The song was nominated for Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Music Video at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, and charted on both US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs and the UK Singles Chart.
5. For The Roses – Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell has never shied away from making her opinions known and this is no different. Fame can be a nasty business, taking away from the joy and innocence of creating art for the sake of art. This single from the 1972 album of the same name is considered one of her greatest works and quite a thought-provoking statement about the music industry.
6. Like A Rose – Ashley Monroe
This song from Monroe’s autobiographical album is a tale of resilience and heartbreak. I love how she talks about overcoming the bleakest of circumstances – her dad dying, and the mother’s alcoholism, and finishes the tale of woe by declaring she “came out like a rose”. It’s the kind of motivation we could all use.
7. Run For The Roses – Dan Fogelberg
The unofficial theme for the Kentucky Derby, the way to every horse girl’s heart, and one of the most interesting songs on this list. It’s quite the inspiring anthem, especially if you share Fogelberg’s love for horses. The song peaked at number 1 on the Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks and number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks.
8. Kiss From A Rose – Seal
Is this tune familiar? Well, it is the soundtrack for Batman Forever. While the context of the lyrics is unclear, Seal says there was “some kind of relationship that inspired the lyrics.” Either way, the artist became a household name after this, winning the awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 1996 Grammy’s while the song topped charts in the U.S. and Australia.
9. Bed Of Roses – Bon Jovi
This song is about the singer’s infidelity during the height of fame – a confession of sorts while wishing he was instead with his wife in a ‘bed of roses’. The song and album also define the band’s evolution towards a much more mature direction, lyrically and sonically. It reached number 2 on the Canada Top Singles (RPM) charts and number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1994.
10. Marigold – Nirvana
I think at this point we know our list is incomplete without Nirvana. Rumored to be about the lead singer Kurt Cobain, this song is quite simple lyrically, and yet a cult-favourite. The repetitive lyrics and guitar riffs are simply too good not to bob your head to.
11. Sunflower – Rex Orange County
Want to know how to keep your girl? Compare her presence to a sunflower! I love this song so much and definitely think it deserves a place on our list of 100 Best Love Song Lyrics of All Time because of the comfort it brings. Your partner should be your safe space and this song is an expression of the same sentiment.
12. Dead Flowers – The Rolling Stones
Dead Flowers is a change from The Rolling Stones’s usual M.O., Venturing into country music with darker lyrics referring to drug abuse (“I’ll be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon”) and a more classy way of telling someone off for not treating you right, this song is acquired taste but a wonderful one for sure.
13. Fading Like A Flower – Roxette
Roxette is one of my favorite bands when it comes to expressing heartbreak. This song is full of longing- feeling as if you’re fading away when someone you love leaves. It became a fi top-10 hit single in the United States, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and also reached the top 10 in an additional 12 countries.
14. Sunflower – Harry Styles
Every song from Fine Line is a masterpiece of its own accord, but Sunflower in particular really helps me get my groove on. The jazzy music, flirty lyrics, and flowery vibes make this the perfect summer anthem.
15. The Rose – Bette Midler
This pop hit from the Bette Midler movie of the same title challenges all the negative associations around love and getting your heart broken and instead asks to grab love by the throat and run with it. The song topped charts in the U.S. and Canada
16. Black Roses Red – Alana Grace
Alana Grace is known for this song from the movie “Sisterhood of The Travelling Pants”, about a girl who believes love will only come to her in a fantasy, begging to be loved and convinced otherwise.
17. Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
Being in love with someone who doesn’t return the sentiment is one of the most gut-wrenching feelings ever. This song describes the feeling, with a narrator questioning why they’re led on only to be disappointed, with an insanely catchy, upbeat tune that is entirely at odds with the lyrics. It peaked at number 1 in The U.S., Canada, and Australia
18. (Nothing But) Flowers – Talking Heads
This rock hit has been used in many well-renowned pieces of media and literature including the intro to the infamous novel “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis. The song garnered positive critical reviews and peaked at number 5 on the US Mainstream Rock (Billboard) chart.
19. Cherry Blossom Girl – Air
I personally wouldn’t mind being referred to as the “cherry blossom girl’, especially if someone’s expressing a deep desire to enjoy my companionship till the day they pass. This romantic electronic number is the opening track from the Duo’s third album and peaked at number 6 on the US Dance Singles Sales chart.
20. La Vie en Rose—Edith Piaf
Critics (and myself) consider this Edith Piaf’s magnum opus. The song features Piaf’s grainy vocals with soft jazz tunes and lyrics so romantic they make your heart melt. This 1947 icon is one of those songs you want to dance around to the kitchen, barefoot with your lover. It’s been covered by various artists through time, from Louis Armstrong to Chloe Moriondo.
21. Coming Up Roses – Keira Knightley
Seeing Kiera Knightley’s name next to a song is a first but are we surprised? What can this woman not do? My favorite track from one of my favorite movies, “Begin Again”, this song asks you to take life by the horns after things go South; because now everything’s coming up roses!
22. Tiptoe Thru The Tulips – Nick Lucas
I’m sure we’ve all heard the creepy version of this song by Tiny Tim all over TikTok, especially near Halloween, but this version reminds me of a summer’s day and a nice picnic, where nothing can go wrong or bother me. The 1929 original by Al Dubin And Joe Burke reached its peak of fame in 1944 when covered by Nick Lucas.
23. Daisy – Zedd Ft. Julia Michaels
I would consider this song ‘Treat You Better’s’ sister, with the narrator begging “Daisy” not to make the wrong decisions and instead choose him so he can show her what true love feels like. The song is a classic Zedd electronic beat with Julia Michaels’ heavenly vocals.
24. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore – Barbara Streisand And Neil Diamond
Written for the sitcom All That Glitters the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1978. A relationship starts falling apart when you stop focussing on the little things – like bringing your girl flowers. The song laments a tale of two lovers drifting apart.
25. Dead Flowers – Miranda Lambert
This 2009 country music hit is one of my favorites from the singer, describing a beautiful relationship gone dead, thus the title. I find this one of those songs that feel so good but hurt so bad, full of metaphors and references. The song peaked at number 37 on the US Hot Country Songs chart and Lambert was nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for it.
26. Sunflower – Lenny Kravitz Featuring Drake
This feel-good ht is the personification from that one dancing scene in the Despicable Me series – you’ll want to skip instead of walk and dance out on the street. The collaboration may have come as a surprise to both Kravitz and his fans but boy are we glad for Drake’s special touch on this already banging song.
27. Desert Rose – Sting
This song has to be the finest blend of Arabian and Western music – the lyrics that pay tribute to the nomad culture, the Arabic introduction, and the blend of Sting’s voice with Cheb Mami’s, make this a timeless hit. The audience clearly felt the same way I do, accounting for the song’s chart-topping success in the U.S., Portugal, and Greece.
28. Buy Me a Rose – Kenny Rogers
Men, women don’t always want a Ferrari and an Amex card. Sometimes all they need is for you to buy them a rose and perhaps a phone call telling them you miss them while at work. This chart-topper on the US Hot Country Songs is the tale of a man similarly coming to realize that all his wife needs is a sweet gesture to show he cares.
29. Flowers – Chris Young
This song follows the theme of the last- wishing you took the effort to bring your lover flowers. However, this story takes a darker turn as the man narrates how it took him killing the love of his life while driving drunk to finally give up on his alcohol addiction and bring her flowers – unfortunately, this one doesn’t get the opportunity to make amends since he brings them to her grave.
30. The Flower Garden – Joe Hisaishi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9u9E-lMUWo ]
While this song technically doesn’t have any lyrics, I can’t think of one I would rather associate with spring and flowers. It comes from the amazing Studio Ghibli film ‘Howl’s Moving Castle”, full of floral references and magic.
31. A Rose – Any Name – Blondie
This 2013 song is the lead single from the band’s tenth studio album Ghosts of Download and a universal message of love, regardless of gender. The song comes from the line “A rose by any other name” comes from a line in Romeo and Juliet where Juliet says the name doesn’t matter, the qualities do.
32. Rose Garden – Nick Jonas & the Administration
Nick Jonas described this song as “a story about a young girl who finds her safe place in the rose garden.” The song talks about finding a safe space where you feel comfortable, even if circumstances aren’t in your favor.
33. Daisies – Katy Perry
If there’s one thing Katy Perry knows how to do, it is write an empowering anthem. From Roar to Rise and now post-pandemic, daisies. I love the message- I’m not giving up on who I am until I die. The song debuted at number 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reached number three on the US Digital Song Sales chart.
34. Flowers in Your Hair – The Lumineers
Did you really think we would compile a list of songs related to flowers without including indie bands? This song has a country music tinge to it, describing the innocence of youth and how we, and our capability of love, slowly mature into something wonderful. It’s one of those songs you would sing along to at a campfire.
35. Sunflower – Post-Malone featuring Swae Lee
Who doesn’t remember this iconic single from ‘Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse? Just like Miles Morales, this song has been on a loop inside our heads ever since it came on. Critics loved it and so did listeners; the song peaked at number 1 across 3 charts in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK.
36. Dandelions – Ruth B
“He loves me, he loves me not…” Infatuation and love turn us all into love-sick teenage girls wishing on candles and flowers. Pair the poetic lyrics with Ruth B’s heavenly vocals, you’ve got one of my all-time favorites when it comes to describing the longing and pining that comes with love.
37. Blue Orchid – The White Stripes
This song references the story about Eve and the apple from the tree in the Garden of Eden and is a metaphor for taking something white (pure, innocent) and turning it blue (sad, cold). The rock song charted at the top 10 positions in the UK, U.S., and Scottland
38. Last of the English Roses – Pete Doherty
An innocent playground crush? A comparison to no other and a saucy guitar beat? You have my interest. I think this upbeat song didn’t get the recognition it deserved, only reaching number 67 on the UK Singles Chart.
39. Forget Me Nots – Patrice Rushen
Though this song didn’t do very well on the charts, it has been sampled and interpolated in many songs including “Men in Black” (1997) and “Fastlove” (1996). The flower symbolizes a strong sense of remembrance and the song hides a story of heartache and unrequited love behind a groovy beat.
40. Edelweiss – The Sound of Music (OST)
This musical and its melodies have been an integral part of our childhood and left a mark on our souls. I still remember Captain Von Trapp playing this on his little guitar with a heavy heart as he subtly bids his homeland goodbye. This song was also the legendary songwriter, Oscar Hammerstein II’s, farewell as it was the last he wrote before passing away.
41. Monarchy of Roses – Red Hot Chili Peppers
The rock song reminds me of crusades and cults, with its lyrics full of vigor and classic rock beat. It is fun, rich, and unique- everything a good rock song should be, thus amounting to its success on the charts where it peaked at the top 10 positions in the U.S. Alternative Airplay, Canada Rock (Billboard), and U.S. Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts.
42. Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
The band’s signature song and a beautiful ballad, Iris was written for the Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage movie ‘City of Angels’, reflecting the movie’s heartbreaking yet romantic storyline right from the melancholic guitar intro. The song received several Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year, Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, and Song of the Year.
43. Sunflower – Vampire Weekend
This song brought the indie pop band quite a lot of fame and critical acclaim, signaling the band is back with hits. It features Koenig’s vocals mixed with themes of longing and love, and wanting to find your true self. The song peaked at number 24 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
44. Daisy Jane – America
This groovy 1975 soft-rock number is quite the hidden gem. From the base sound mimicking a heartbeat in the intro to the absolute earworm of a chorus, the song is romantic at heart, dictating the narrator’s longing for his love with the hope that she missed him as much as he did her.
45. Orange Blossom Special – Johnny Cash
One of his most popular songs, this Johnny Cash hit has withstood the test of time with its incredibly catchy beat and old-timey chorus. The song is named after one of the fastest and most reliable trains in the U.S. in the ‘60s and describes the girlfriend’s journey to her lover. Some say the song is a deeper metaphor for life and its struggles.
46. Magnolia – Playboi Carti
This rap hit is named after the infamous crime-infested Magnolia Projects in New Orleans, known to birth rappers like Birdman, Juvenile, and the late Soulja Slim. The rapper brags about his loose lifestyle, sex, and drugs through the tale of the narrator living in New York. The song peaked at number 7 on the US Hot Rap Songs chart.
47. Roses – The Chainsmokers
This 2015 rave favorite from The Chainsmokers features American singer Rozes singing about a desire for her partner so deep she can “feel it in her bones”. This was the duo’s second hit and peaked at number 1 on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard) chart.
48. Flowers on the Wall – The Statler Brothers
Recognize this song? If not turn to a film bro near you and they’re almost certain to recognize this iconic ‘Pulp Fiction’ soundtrack. However, this song goes way back to the ‘60s, when its success led the band to win the 1966 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary (R&R) Performance – Group (Vocal or Instrumental)
49. Wildflower – 5 Seconds of Summer
The Australian pop band has produced banger after banger and this song is no different. The song is full of sexual undertones and euphemisms, though not overt enough to make anybody uncomfortable. Even the chorus omits a few words to leave a more open-ended interpretation.
50. Black Water Lilies – Aurora
Nature is Aurora’s Goddess and the notable theme in all of her songs. This song was inspired by a dream she had of “a magical land, filled with wonder.” The song brings about a sense of freedom and peace one can only achieve when truly at peace in nature, with Aurora’s beautifully delicate vocals tying it all up together.
51. Gold Roses – Rick Ross featuring Drake
This platinum-certified rap hit is a thematic continuation of Drake’s “Money in the Grave”. Both songs talk about death, success, and the finer things in life. The rap hit was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
52. Carolina Rose – Gloriana
This country wonder narrates a poetic tale of love, loss, and hope on the journey to fame. The lyrics are a masterpiece in their right, etching the emotion deeper into the listener’s heart.
53. Where Have All the Flowers Gone – Pete Seeger
Despite the floral title, this folk song is actually about war and history repeating itself. It’s a powerful anti-war narrative – a eulogy for the ‘flowers’ (the soldiers) who have gone (died) and a tribute to those left behind. Pete Seeger’s recording of his composition was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
54. Please Don’t Eat the Daisies – Doris Day
“Do you love me? Do you love me not?” has been stuck in my head all week. I absolutely suggest listening to this cutesy 1960 hit, even if you don’t understand the context (like I don’t!). It’s a children’s song with a beautiful piano melody you can’t help but sway to.
55. Lavender – Marillion
The song is inspired by the children’s poem “ Lavender’s Blue Dilly Dilly”. This beautiful piano melody coupled with the guitar riff is full of innocence and describes love in the purest, most earnest way possible. The song charted at number 5 in both Ireland and the UK.
56. Dandelion – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones have a special affinity for flowers, naming their second albums after them while Keith Richards even named his daughter Dandelion. Yet another beautiful hit inspired by lyrics from nursery rhymes, the meaning of the song has been debated widely- some suggest it’s about drugs while others argue it’s about Keith’s daughter.
57. Say, Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose – Tony Orlando and Dawn
This funky 1973 hit tells the story of the narrator’s wife who run away to join the burlesque! I personally love songs with an element of humor and good storytelling. Combine that with the saxophone in the background, I’ve found my song of the week!
58. Where the Wild Roses Grow – Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds featuring Kylie Minogue
Boy oh Boy do I love myself a good murder ballad, and I can’t be the only one since this single became the band’s most popular song, reaching the top 5 position in multiple charts in over 15 countries! The story is gruesome and dark, following a man killing his lover so that he doesn’t have to see her beauty fade.
59. Pictures of Lily – The Who
Despite the innocence and purity flowers project, the songs inspired by them seem full of innuendos and sexual undertones! The song follows the story of a young boy who becomes infatuated with an actress after his father gives him pictures of her, only to be disappointed when he finds out she’s dead. The ‘infatuation’ led to the song being banned from many radio stations.
60. Flowers – Miley Cyrus
I bet you’ve been waiting for this pop hit the entire time! Don’t worry, we’ve saved the best for last. This iconic song was written about Liam Hemsworth after Miley’s divorce and broke the records for both; the most streamed song in a week on Spotify and the fastest song in Spotify history to surpass one billion streams. The song went to number 1 in more than 30 countries around the globe, including the U.S., the UK, Ukraine, Sweden, Australia, and Japan.
FAQs
What genre are the songs about flowers?
These songs span various genres, including but not limited to pop, rock, indie, R&B, soul music, Goth rock, and electronic music. These even include some from musicals and a few children’s poems and folk songs.
What is the most famous song about flowers?
The most commercially famous song is Flowers by Miley Cyrus, which became the most streamed song in a week on Spotify during both its first and second week and broke the record as the fastest song in Spotify history to surpass one billion streams.
What themes are there in songs about flowers?
These songs cover a variety of themes, from love, pining, and longing to hope. Some also contain the themes of regret and lost love while others feature more sexual themes.