11 Songs About Rosemary (2023)

In a musical garden adorned with the enchanting melodies of nature’s muses, one name blossoms with a fragrant allure: Rosemary. Like a delicate flower, her name dances upon the lips of songwriters, enticing them to craft lyrical tributes that capture her essence. From haunting ballads to upbeat serenades, join us on a melodious journey as we explore a collection of 11 captivating songs that pay homage to the captivating spirit of Rosemary.

11. “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” – Simon & Garfunkel (1966)

Step into the timeless world of “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” where folk tradition intertwines with heartfelt harmony. Dating back to the depths of English heritage, this ballad weaves a tapestry of impossible tasks for a distant lover in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Its haunting refrain, adorned with the fragrant herbs of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, resonates like a whispered promise across the ages. Ewan MacColl’s discovery of the captivating melody from retired miner Mark Anderson grants a soul-stirring authenticity to this classic. It’s Simon & Garfunkel, custodians of folk-rock brilliance, who breathe new life into the centuries-old tale, painting a bittersweet portrait of love’s trials. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the echoes of tradition, captured forever in this melodic masterpiece.

10. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” – Edison Lighthouse (1970)

“Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” is a timeless gem that bloomed with irresistible charm back in 1970. Edison Lighthouse, in their debut single, crafted a melodic masterpiece that captivated hearts across the UK. Like a delicate rose, this song gracefully climbed the charts, earning its rightful place at number one for an impressive five weeks. With its infectious energy and catchy hooks, it became the anthem that marked the dawn of a new musical decade. A true trailblazer, it surpassed the holdovers of the past, heralding a fresh era of euphonic bliss. Its legacy continues to thrive, forever entwined with the sweet scent of nostalgia.

9. “Rosemary” – Grateful Dead (1969)

“Rosemary,” a delicately mysterious gem from the Grateful Dead’s album Aoxomoxoa, enchants listeners with its ethereal essence. Clocking in at just under two minutes, the song leaves a lasting impression. Jerry Garcia’s distant, otherworldly vocals, gently woven with poetic lyrics, create an enigmatic atmosphere. The absence of percussion allows the guitar to shine, painting a vivid scene of a woman sitting by a window amidst a flourishing garden. As the woman departs, the garden withers and is sealed away. The enigmatic closure, “No one may come here, since no one may stay,” deepens the intrigue. With possible ties to the novel “The Secret Garden” and the symbolism of rosemary as remembrance, “Rosemary” immerses us in a world of contemplation and imagination. Although initially thought to be a fragment, its rare live performance showcases the song’s timeless allure.

8. “Rosemary” – Lenny Kravitz (1991)

“Rosemary” by Lenny Kravitz is a sonic elixir, a captivating journey that beckons the soul to dance in its irresistible charm. From the moment the first notes reverberate, a kaleidoscope of emotions awakens, enveloping the listener in a lush dreamscape. Kravitz’s sultry vocals entwine with the seductive melodies, weaving a tapestry of desire and longing. The rhythm pulses like a heartbeat, synchronizing with the raw passion that surges through each lyric. With every lyric, “Rosemary” transcends time, leaving an indelible imprint on the senses. It’s a sonic bouquet of love and yearning, an ethereal sanctuary where music and emotion intertwine.

7. “Rosemary” – Scott Walker (1969)

Unfurling like a spectral, hallowed tale, “Rosemary” by Scott Walker is a melancholic serenade carved in the whispers of the wind. Walker’s voice is a haunting seraph, weaving through the chiaroscuro of this 1969 masterpiece, drenched in a raw, yet refined poeticism. Each note is a crestfallen tear, each lyric a pearl of wisdom, effortlessly seeping into the soul. There’s a spectral beauty in its minimalism, a poignant elegance in its enigmatic narrative. “Rosemary” is a twilight lullaby, a nostalgic echo from a time capsule, its purity and vulnerability resonating in the silent chambers of the heart. A timeless ballad of delicate melancholy.

6. “Rosemary” – Deftones (2012)

“Rosemary” by Deftones cascades like a dreamscape carved in sound. It’s a nuanced symphony of power and fragility, enveloped in a nebula of haunting ambiance. Chino Moreno’s vocals float above the storm, an ethereal melody laced with raw emotion. Stephen Carpenter’s guitar work paints broad strokes of metallic grandeur, while Abe Cunningham’s drums inject a pulse into the aural tapestry. Each element is a layer in the band’s sonic universe, intertwining to form a poignant, cathartic narrative. “Rosemary” is a testament to Deftones’ masterful balance of beauty and chaos; an evocative lullaby sung in the language of alternative metal. It lingers, echoing in the soul.

5. “Rosemary” – Brian Fallon (2016)

“Rosemary” is an ineffable painting of poignant nostalgia, delivered through the raw, honeyed vocals of Brian Fallon. Its Americana-meets-rock canvas is crammed with a spectrum of hues from the human condition, evoking a sense of longing, love lost and found, and the bitter-sweet passage of time. Every pluck of the guitar strings whispers a thousand untold stories, each lyric a resonant echo of our shared pasts. The song’s genius lies in its sincerity, its ability to feel both intensely personal yet universal. It is a sonic poetry, a humble homage to the beauty of ordinary life, sung with the tenderness of a heartbreakingly beautiful sunset.

4. “Rosemary Lane” – Bert Jansch (1971)

“Rosemary Lane” by Bert Jansch weaves a bewitching tapestry of folk prowess. Jansch’s fingers dance upon the guitar, crafting intricate melodies that sway like willow branches in a gentle breeze. His voice, raw and tender, tells tales of love and longing, each word a quiet echo in the hallowed halls of the heart. The rustic tapestry of sound lingers, like the scent of wildflowers after rain, haunting and beautiful. A symphony of simplicity, it is an intimate serenade that transcends time, reminding us of the forgotten trails we tread in the landscape of emotion. An ineffable masterpiece in acoustic storytelling.

3. “Pretty Little One” – Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers (2014)

“Pretty Little One” by Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers is a delightful intersection of comedy and bluegrass. Martin’s banjo mastery twines around the Rangers’ harmonic tapestry, creating a musically rich soundscape. The lyrics, laced with Martin’s comedic charm, dance sprightly across the melody, evoking smiles as readily as toe-taps. The track’s unexpected turn into a spoken-word tale further showcases Martin’s storytelling prowess. Edie Brickell’s hauntingly beautiful voice adds a tender dimension, akin to a cool breeze rustling through the song’s vibrant foliage. It’s a playful, moving, audacious piece – a true bluegrass gem in a haystack of tunes.

2. “Rosemary” – The Dickies (1983)

“Rosemary” by The Dickies (1983) blooms like a forbidden flower, its thorns masked by a punk-rock façade. With raw energy and mischievous charm, this sonic concoction entwines catchy melodies with irreverent lyrics, inviting you into a twisted garden of musical delights. The band’s frenetic pace fuels the song’s rebellious spirit, captivating listeners with a bouquet of snarling guitars, thunderous drums, and vivacious vocals. In just under two minutes, “Rosemary” injects a burst of vibrant colors into the monochrome canvas of punk, leaving you intoxicated by its devilish allure. This sonic flower blossoms, only to prick you with its wickedly addictive charm.

1. “Rosemary’s Baby” – Fantômas (2001)

“Rosemary’s Baby” by Fantômas is a devilish sonic séance that plunges listeners into a maelstrom of musical madness. This haunting composition is a kaleidoscope of sinister symphonies, orchestrating a macabre ballet of sound. The pulsating beats conjure a sense of impending doom, while discordant melodies lure you into a labyrinth of disquieting melodies. The chilling whispers and eerie chants are like echoes from the netherworld, seducing you with their seductive darkness. Each note strikes with precision, invoking a spine-tingling shiver that dances along your skin. “Rosemary’s Baby” is a devilishly delightful nightmare, an audio masterpiece that captures the essence of sinister enchantment in its wicked embrace.