The Rolling Stones are one of the most legendary rock bands in music history. They are known for their raw energy, rebellious spirit, and timeless songs. Formed in London in 1962, the band originally featured Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman.
Their career has spanned over six decades, earning them countless awards and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On stage, their electrifying performances became the gold standard for rock concerts. Off stage, members of the band became as famous for their wild lifestyles as they were for their music.
Despite personal challenges and lineup changes, The Rolling Stones have continued to create, tour, and inspire generations of fans worldwide.
About the Song
Dead Flowers is a country-rock tune by The Rolling Stones. It blends twangy guitars with dark humor and themes of heartbreak and defiance.
| Song | Dead Flowers |
|---|---|
| Released | April 23, 1971 |
| Album | Sticky Fingers |
| Writers | Mick Jagger, Keith Richards |
| Producers | Jimmy Miller |
Dead Flowers Lyrics by The Rolling Stones
Verse 1
Well, when you’re sitting there in your silk upholstered chair
Talking to some rich folk that you know
Well, I hope you won’t see me in my ragged company
Well, you know I could never be alone
Chorus
Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you’re the queen of the underground
And you can send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won’t forget to put roses on your grave
Verse 2
Well, when you’re sitting back in your rose pink Cadillac
Making bets on Kentucky Derby Day
I’ll be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon
And another girl can take my pain away
Chorus
Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you’re the queen of the underground
And you can send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won’t forget to put roses on your grave
Hey
Instrumental Break
Chorus
Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you’re the queen of the underground
And you can send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the U.S. Mail
Say it with dead flowers at my wedding
And I won’t forget to put roses on your grave
No, I won’t forget to put roses on your grave
Meaning Behind the Song
Dead Flowers is a song about heartbreak, bitterness, and emotional detachment, all wrapped in a country-rock sound. The lyrics tell the story of someone left behind, watching a former lover move on to a more glamorous life.
Despite the hurt, the tone is sarcastic, almost mocking, as if the narrator is trying to brush off the pain with dark humor.
The story shows themes of lost love, class differences, and coping with heartbreak in a raw, unpolished way typical of The Rolling Stones’ gritty style.
Live Performances of Dead Flowers
Similar Songs Like Dead Flowers
Here’s a list of similar pop songs like Dead Flowers that you might like:
- Wild Horses: It is a tender, country-tinged ballad about longing and the pain of separation. Its soft melody and heartfelt lyrics make it one of the Stones’ most emotional tracks.
- Sweet Virginia: Blending bluesy harmonica with a laid-back country feel, this song delivers a mix of humor and grit, with lyrics about life’s rough edges and keeping spirits high.
- You Can’t Always Get What You Want: An iconic anthem about life’s disappointments and finding contentment in reality. The choir-backed intro make it both grand and deeply relatable.
- Far Away Eyes: It is a tongue-in-cheek country song filled with dry humor and Southern charm. It playfully explains themes of loneliness, faith, and seeking comfort on the open road.
Similar Artists Like The Rolling Stones
If you are into rock-pop or band music, here’s a list of similar artists that you might like:
- The Doors
Genres: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Classic Rock
Top Albums: The Doors, L.A. Woman, Strange Days - The Who
Genres: Rock, Hard Rock, Mod Rock
Top Albums: Who’s Next, Tommy, Quadrophenia - Led Zeppelin
Genres: Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Metal
Top Albums: Led Zeppelin IV, Physical Graffiti, Led Zeppelin II - Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)
Genres: Roots Rock, Swamp Rock, Southern Rock
Top Albums: Cosmo’s Factory, Willy and the Poor Boys, Bayou Country
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired the Song?
The inspiration for Dead Flowers is somewhat debated, but it is often linked to Keith Richards’s friendship with Gram Parsons, a country-rock pioneer.
How have Fans and Critics Received Dead Flowers?
Dead Flowers is widely regarded as one of Sticky Fingers’ standout tracks. It is praised for its country-rock sound and memorable performances.
How does the Music Contrast with the Lyrics?
The song features upbeat country music, which contrasts with the bleak and cynical lyrics, creating a unique blend of optimism and pessimism.
