Continuing in the vein of yesterday’s post about songs spinning gloom with a grin, I was taken aback this morning when a happy-go-lucky version of ”When the Roses Bloom Again” by Mac Wiseman popped up in my “Louvin Brothers Radio” playlist on Pandora. Although I know it’s an A.P. Carter tune and it’s been covered by plenty of artists since it was written over a hundred years ago, I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve only heard Wilco’s version, recorded during the Mermaid Avenue sessions with Billy Bragg.
That version — a minor-keyed, dark and mournful arrangement — seems to be the appropriate musical backdrop for the sad tale of a soldier’s departure from his lover and his final moments before dying in battle. You can imagine my surprise when an upbeat bluegrass arrangement of the song came through the headphones — was this the same song? How can they sing so happily about something so heart-wrenching?
It’s an absolutely beautiful song. The lyrics are pure, powerful and poetic. And it bears such a touching message: that while death is part of the natural order of life, it’s never easy to accept — but having faith that someday we’ll be reunited with our loved ones, in another life or state of being, gives us hope and comfort. As we yearn to see someone’s face, hear their voice and touch their hand once more, the debilitating grief that weighs heavy on our hearts can slowly be wiped away if we call to mind our memories of a life lived like the song’s characters: faithful, brave and true.
Much like the practice of concealing despondent lyrics with buoyant musical arrangements, we place flowers and other symbols on graves. Is it because we wish to cover our pain with something colorful, fragrant and radiant? Or do they stand for something else? Flowers themselves will bend and fade — but they’ll bloom once more. So perhaps I’m wrong. Maybe flowers aren’t something we use to shield sorrow. They’re not to be used as armor, but for affection, adoration and ardor. They’re the perfect example of the natural order of life.
They remind us that our wounds can become wings.
Hey brother — thanks for reading and for your comments! I’ll send you an MP3 of the track; Wilco’s, that is.
Man, you sure can write… You should think about having a career in writing or something!! But seriously, this was a great read. I’m not familiar with the song, but I really enjoy your insights.