Johnny Cash – Give My Love to Rose

About the song

Give My Love to Rose: A Heartfelt Ballad by Johnny Cash

In the annals of country music, few names resonate with the gravitas and enduring legacy of Johnny Cash. His deep, resonant voice, coupled with his poignant songwriting, has captivated audiences for generations. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “Give My Love to Rose” stands out as a particularly moving and heartfelt ballad.

Released in 1957 as the B-side to Cash’s single “Home of the Blues,” “Give My Love to Rose” paints a vivid portrait of love, loss, and redemption. The song opens with a somber narrative, as Cash recounts the encounter with a dying man by the railroad tracks. The man, weary from years of imprisonment, yearns to return home to his beloved Rose and their son.

Cash’s voice takes on a tender quality as he conveys the dying man’s plea to have his love and money delivered to Rose. He urges her to find happiness with another, acknowledging the unfairness of her living alone. The chorus, repeated throughout the song, serves as a poignant refrain: “Give my love to Rose.”

The song’s emotional depth lies in its exploration of universal themes that transcend time and place. The dying man’s unwavering love for Rose, despite his absence, speaks to the enduring power of human connection. His sacrifice and selflessness in wanting her to find happiness underscore the depths of his devotion.

“Give My Love to Rose” is not merely a song about love and loss; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The dying man’s acceptance of his fate and his unwavering love for Rose serve as a beacon of hope amidst despair.

Cash’s masterful delivery further elevates the song’s emotional impact. His voice, imbued with a world-weariness that belies his young age, perfectly captures the weight of the dying man’s emotions. The simple, yet evocative lyrics, coupled with Cash’s heartfelt delivery, create a listening experience that is both deeply moving and profoundly relatable.

“Give My Love to Rose” stands as a timeless classic in the country music genre. Its poignant lyrics, heartfelt melody, and Johnny Cash’s masterful delivery have resonated with listeners for generations. The song’s exploration of love, loss, and redemption continues to touch hearts and offer solace, making it a true gem in the vast treasure trove of country music.

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Lyrics

“Give My Love To Rose”

 

I found him by the railroad track this morning
I could see that he was nearly dead
I knelt down beside him and I listened
Just to hear the words the dying fellow said

He said they let me out of prison out in Frisco
For ten long years I’ve paid for what I’ve done
I was trying to get back to Louisiana
To see my Rose and get to know my son

Give my love to Rose please won’t you mister?
Take her all my money, tell her buy some pretty clothes
Tell my boy that daddy’s so proud of him
And don’t forget to give my love to Rose

Won’t you tell them I said thanks for waiting for me
Tell my boy to help his mom at home
Tell my Rose to try to find another
‘Cause it ain’t right that she should live alone

Mister here’s a bag with all my money
It won’t last them long the way it goes
God bless you for finding me this morning
Now don’t forget to give my love to Rose

Give my love to Rose please won’t you mister?
Take her all my money, tell her buy some pretty clothes
Tell my boy that daddy’s so proud of him
And don’t forget to give my love to Rose