Dead Flowers by Demon Hunter

Album: True Defiance (2012)

License This Song

lyrics

Songfacts®:

DH frontman and songwriter Ryan Clark uses words that appear to convey one thing but means something deeper on several True Defiance tracks, including this one. He told Alternative Press: "In this case, there are quite a few double-meanings within the chorus, which I think packs the song full of life. Dead flowers both symbolize and commemorate a deceased loved one. The water that once kept them alive is now being begged for as a flood of cleansing - like tears from the Heavens. And the sun that nurtured the life of the flowers is also used in reference to the Son of God, offering eternal life."
Regular Solid State and Tooth & Nail Producer Aaron Sprinkle was the man twiddling the knobs on the album and it was he who came up with the addition of the harpsichord to this song's intro and verses. Clark told Alternative Press: "I originally had that melody mapped out with guitar, and it's still in there, but lower in the mix to allow the harpsichord to shine."
This was the last song that Clark wrote for the album, about a week before the band entered the studio. Clark told AntiMusic: "It's not uncommon for me to write the slower songs towards the end of the writing process. Usually I'll be knee-deep in 'heavy mode' while I write all of the more aggressive songs, and I have to make a conscious switch into "ballad" territory."
Clark discussed the song's lyrical content with AntiMusic: "Mortality is a subject that really resonates with people. That's probably why I'm so drawn to it when writing lyrics. For those familiar with our previous work, you can see death playing a fairly large role in most of our slower songs."
This is the first Demon Hunter song that features a key change in the chorus. Said Clark to AntiMusic: "I love key changes, and it's something I've often meant to do in the past, and before I know it, the song is done and I forgot to make it a priority. With this song, I was determined to incorporate a key change. The step up happens directly in the middle of the guitar solo, so the final chorus (through the end of the song) is one key higher than the rest. The second half of the final chorus also features a 3-part harmony, something I believe we've only done once before."

Comments: 2

Sally Mcmurray from ArizonaThe song, "Dead Flowers" sounds to me like a song about children murdered in the womb. First part of the lyrics talks about feeling of abandonment and taking the blame. It talks about how the person is too late to do anything. The bridge then talks about great sorrow and when they are broken( think about the abortion process) He (God) will replace them (In heaven they are made new). Dead flowers (once an innocent flowering child who then gets literally torn apart(abortion process) for the broken hearted (The Trinity, the baby, prolifers, family, and God). Laid at the grave to heal their broken heart. Symbolizes the burial of the dead child who is laid to rest in the grave. However, God will call the child home & God will replace all the child's torn up body parts. God will re-form the child with His own hands, possibly in the womb again to be reborn. As a result, it will heal the broken hearts that were once broken. If anyone has witnessed a live abortion, they'll know exactly what I mean. I think the rain is referring to the tears that are shed over abortion. Then, it goes on about how God will breathe life once more for the reborn (see above). It states to walk beside them-carrying the flame (prolifers), which I think is a statement from God to Christians. He tells us stand up to those who kill God's creation. We are to carry the flame, knowing that one day we will see them whole again, then Ryan goes on to describe them. I think the mix of this meaning is talking about Christ's life, death, & resurrection. Last of the lyrics means pretty much the same thing, but we are to stand and defend His Word & carry His flame throughout the world. That is just one person's take on it.
Mike from Norwalk, CtLove this song. To me it talks about how we are dead to the world but alive in Christ. And if you're broken hearted dead flowers means the opposite. Means you are giving life, not death.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Uptown FunkMark Ronson

Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk" was the first US chart-topper to include the word "funk" in the title.

Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)Carla Thomas

Carla Thomas became the first woman to achieve a Top 10 hit on the Hot 100 with a song she wrote herself when "Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)" reached the chart's top tier in 1961. Thomas was just 16-years-old when she penned it.

Foolish BeatDebbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson was 17 years old when "Foolish Beat" topped the Hot 100. This gave her the honor of becoming the youngest artist ever to write, perform, and produce a #1 single.

(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding

"(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay," released a month after Otis Redding died, was the first song to hit #1 in America after the artist died.

TushZZ Top

"Tush" doesn't have to refer to anatomy, according to ZZ Top. It's a word that also means "lavish."

Black WidowIggy Azalea

Katy Perry co-wrote Iggy Azalea's hit single "Black Widow." Perry was originally going to sing on the track, but she couldn't fit it into her schedule, so Rita Ora provided the sung vocals instead.