Bring My Flowers Now

Album: While I'm Livin' (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This tender ballad was recorded by Tanya Tucker for While I'm Livin', her first album of original material in 17 years. The song was written by Tucker with the record's co-producer, Brandi Carlile, and Carlile's sibling bandmates, Tim and Phil Hanseroth.
  • The somber song serves as a reminder to show appreciation for others while you still have the chance.

    Bring my flowers now, while I'm living
    I won't need your love when I'm gone


    Said Tucker: "This song came from my heart. It's about showing love for the ones we have now before they are gone."
  • Tucker and Carlile performed the song at Loretta Lynn's April 1, 2019 All-Star Birthday Celebration Concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
  • "Bring My Flowers Now" received three Grammy nominations: Song of the Year, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best Country Song. While I'm Livin' also received a nod for Best Country Album. Tucker's four nominations at the 2020 Awards were the most of any country performer that year.
  • "Bring My Flowers Now" was initiated by Brandi Carlile. She suggested they "write the song [Tucker] had been trying to write for 30 years." Though the task appeared to be daunting, the track was actually written in about 30 minutes.

    After writing the song, Tucker stepped into the booth to lay down her vocals. The recording taught her a lesson about not being too obsessive at getting everything right. The country star explained to The Boot that she wanted to change a few things, but Carlile refused, saying, "This song sticks. This is what came out of your mouth, and that's the way we're gonna put it on there."

    "We always want perfection - just getting somewhere in the state of it would be nice," Tucker added. "But we always want it to be perfect. And it's never gonna be perfect. In fact, if you were perfect, nobody would like you, right?"
  • Accompanied by Carlisle, Tucker performed this at the Grammy Awards in 2020, where the song won for Best Country Song and While I'm Livin' took the trophy for Best Country Album.

Comments: 6

  • Meme from Texaslove the song but who is jessie mae?
  • Renee Keaton from Smithville, Tn. This is a true song and I’m so glad Tanya is back to singing. I absolutely love her voice. Been a fan of Tanya Tucker since I can remember. Love all her songs one of my faves (well couple)Jamestown Ferry & The Man That Turned My Momma On.
  • Jeff Cline from Dayton, OhioTanya has always been a pro, superstar awesome singer performer. I'm very happy for her to get the recognition for
    talents @ hard work.
    A song she's been trying to write 20 or 30 years! Thank you so much Tanya you rock baby!
  • Karen from Georgia Jessica Mae is her horse
  • L Holt from Arkansas Who is Jessie Mae in the song Bring Me Flowers?
  • Cathy Jo from Champaign Illinois Who is Jessie Mae in the song?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.