Foreign songs about flowers: world classics and popular hits

Yellow RosesHeron

Heron-Yellow Roses 1970

Known by the nickname “Komorebi Folk,” the British folk group Heron has a song called “Yellow Roses.” Another song that features yellow roses is the old folk song from the American South, “The Yellow Rose of Texas.”

EdelweissThe Sound of Music

“Edelweiss” – The Sound of Music (1965)

The song “Edelweiss” appears in the American musical film The Sound of Music.

In the story, Captain von Trapp sings it as he thinks of his homeland, Austria, which is disappearing after being annexed by Germany, cherishing the edelweiss as a symbol of Austria.

Edelweiss is a high-altitude plant in the Asteraceae family and is commonly found in the Alps.

Forget Me NotsPATRICE RUSHEN

Patrice Rushen – Forget Me Nots

Patrice Rushen is an American soul and R&B singer.

Her signature and biggest hit is the song “Forget Me Nots,” a staple of disco music in the 1970s and ’80s.

“Forget-me-nots” are flowers whose name carries the meanings “don’t forget me” and “true love,” and that sentiment is reflected in the lyrics.

Days of Wine and RosesElla Fitzgerald

Days of Wine and Roses – Ella Fitzgerald

The Japanese title “Sake to Bara no Hibi” (“Days of Wine and Roses”) is famous as one of the jazz standards, but it was originally the theme song for an American film of the same name.

(It seems the film itself wasn’t much of a hit.) However, the theme song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and it has since been covered by many musicians up to the present day.

FlowersMiley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus – Flowers (Official Video)

This work, in which Miley Cyrus sings about self-love and independence, is a refreshing pop song infused with disco and funk elements.

Its powerful message of valuing oneself without being bound by past relationships is striking and resonates with many listeners.

Released in January 2023, it garnered overwhelming support, including spending 13 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s recommended for times when you want to regain confidence or start moving forward.

Be sure to savor this track, which is packed with the appeal of the American-born artist.

Marygold SkyDaryl Hall & John Oates

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Marigold Sky

The American blue-eyed soul duo that has been active since the mid-1970s is Daryl Hall & John Oates.

This song is the title track from their album released in the 1990s, Marigold Sky.

The color of the sky on the album cover looks like the color of the marigold flower.

Honeysuckle RoseAnita O’Day

Anita O’Day – Honeysuckle Rose

“Honeysuckle Rose” is a flower with a sweet fragrance and nectar, and the Japanese native suikazura (Japanese honeysuckle) is one variety.

The song is one of the jazz standards, and its lyrics liken a beloved person to a honeysuckle rose—quite sweet and a bit suggestive.

Perhaps for that reason, it’s often performed instrumentally or sung by female vocalists.