Soul Song Message #8 – Kiss From A Rose

Welcome to autumn 2021, the season of change, transition, and fallen leaves from the family tree. 

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Soul Song #8 is “Kiss From a Rose” released in 1994 by Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel (aka Seal) on his self-titled 2nd album: SEAL II. “Kiss From a Rose” also became a part of the “Batman Forever” soundtrack and was Song of the Year in 1996. It was Seal’s best performing single in the U.S.

Seal is a singer turned actor, via his acting debut in Tyler Perry’s “Passion” – a live-action musical where he played Pontius Pilate. The play tells the story of the final hours of Christ’s life. Seal has commented “I think of God as more of an energy, a divine energy.” And says he is constantly striving to “connect” with his spirit.

FYI: In 2008 on his 6th album titled “Soul”, Seal did a cover of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”, which was the song selection for Soul Song #3.

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God has given us music so that above all it can lead us upwards.

The musical art often speaks in sounds more penetrating than the words of poetry

and takes hold of the most hidden crevices of the heart.

Song elevates our being and leads us to the good and true.

  ^{– Nietzsche}

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Whenever I hear the music of “Kiss From a Rose”, my mind pictures a ballroom with orchestra and two people holding each other in a gentle embrace while waltzing around the dance floor in time to the music – think ballroom dance scenes from Crimson Peak – 2015 or War & Peace – 2016; not a sensual dance, but intimate and passionate partners on a journey around a dance floor.

Let’s look deeper into the music which is a major factor to the success and popularity of this song. Early on, in the Soul Song Message blog postings, I stated that music carries messages that are designed to awaken the sleeping soul, calling us to remember who we are and why we exist. Since I am not a musician, I will direct you to a known expert who has broken down the song to help everyone understand just how intricate and sophisticated the musical arrangements are for highlighting the lyrics and creating such a moving song. So, head over to “What Makes This Song Great” Episode 105 with Rick Béato _{(see the link under Resources)} to understand why you are so moved by the instrumental component of this song. Also, hear directly from Seal what it took to come up with the arrangements.  Seal also comments that what he loves and what is most important to him in music is “the song”; because the song changed his life, made him realize he could express himself in a way that he never imagined possible, made him realize he could communicate to millions of people and made him want to be someone. Seal offered the Bono quote “Ideas come and go, but songs last forever.” as a declaration of the importance and power of songs.

When Seal is asked for explanations regarding the “Kiss from a Rose” lyrics, he comments to fans: “It is whatever you think I am saying, whatever you think I meant.”; it is about whatever you believe it is about.” Seal wants listeners to find their own meaning and interpretations for this song. It is for this same reason that he never included a lyric sheet with the album. In lieu of lyrics, Seal included a written message with the album – “I think it’s the general vibe of what I’m saying that is important and not the exact literal translation. … The song is always larger in the listener’s mind because with it they attach imagery which is relative to their own personal experience. So, it is your perception of what I’m saying rather than what I actually was saying that is the key.” 

In this post I’ll share what I believe the lyrics pertain to, with Spirit’s help and input of course.  You will find that those areas which created questions and confusion in other interpretations, regarding what is being said in the lyrics (for example: ’grey verses grave’ or ‘grown verses growing’), do not impact this interpretation.

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CDDoula’s Message:

This is a love song about the dance of life – the highs and lows alike.  It is an epistle of love, if you will, of a soul expressing its love and addiction to incarnating and traveling the journey of awakening, again. Incarnating (living a life in the human body) is without a doubt the soul’s power, pleasure, and pain; an addiction the soul cannot deny, for so much is gained to advance the evolution of all souls.

This song is a billet-doux about the beauty of that dance, from the soul’s perspective, and it is being compared to another gift “from a rose on the grey”. The experience of being in a body and living on the earth is being compared to the gift of the Holy Spirit to the apostles (and as a result available to all) in the story of Christ on the cross. The soul is drawing an analogy between the two gifts. It can be said that the speaker in the song is the soul of mankind – speaking about the gift of life – of incarnating into a body and experiencing life.

^{“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever, …” John 14:16 ESV}

“Your rose is in bloom” when you start the process of awakening to who you truly are and existing in higher vibrational frequencies, meaning your light is shining bright. It includes the understanding that life in the body is greatly enhanced through this awakening and indeed becomes magical. Doors are opened allowing more satisfying lives [stronger intuition, deeper connection to the Divine, greater love in the individual’s life and all of humanity, along with enhanced creativity, happiness, health, and confidence] – it strengthens you for the journey of life. Even so, you must be aware that your ability to connect to and feel that source of unconditional love can be blocked by lower frequency energies (depression, anger, sadness, grief, anxiety, etc.) which dim your light. The connection is blocked from both perspectives, your light can’t be seen, and you cannot feel the love and support that is available to you from loved ones and the higher realms.

The song’s lyrics speak to discovering a connection to love that allows you to navigate the rough, sometimes treacherous, waters and “dark nights” of the soul which are a part of life.  It is no surprise that this connection would become an addiction – but a positive addiction that strengthens you and makes your life more satisfying, allows you to live with more confidence, more creativity, more happiness, and better health. Positive addictions enhance life, so my vote is that an addiction to the awakened life is healthy.

The real dance I’m referring to is the dance between masculine and feminine aspects in the world and within each being on the planet. This is the beautiful dance that life becomes when she – the divine feminine creative force of the Universe, or Nature (also known as the Holy Spirit energy, Kundalini energy, Higher Self, etc.) is in bloom. She comes to you when you are ready for her. She is supportive and empowering. She is awakening – no longer dormant, because you have remembered who you are and are inviting her in. This dance will ultimately lead to the merging or reuniting of the divine feminine and divine masculine creative energies. When these two original energies become one, they will return to the Source/God energy which gave birth to them at the beginning of creation. This is what is called Enlightenment.

So here you have it. The soul of humanity has written a love song about the experiences of being in the body and all it entails. Being human is a gift, a blessing. You came here to experience being human – and, in the process, awaken (invite your rose to bloom), and remember who you are, how loved you are, and tap in to all the gifts that are available to you. Love your life while you are here and appreciate the magical mystical nature of it. Do it fully and completely, and while you are at it … be sure to have fun!

Following are the Spirit messages and insights that led to my interpretation.

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Spirit Messages: _{(a variety answers to direct questions received throughout August and September, that helped me decipher the code of the lyrics)}

“The “Kiss From A Rose” is a statement of great love, great beauty (not necessarily physical beauty), and the recognition that the rose has seen and acknowledged the admirer, believer, or follower with a figurative “kiss” or blessing. Let’s imagine that the lyric is “grave” – does it mean that the rose whose death is imminent has taken the time to bless another – not feeling sorry for itself as it realizes its future – but rather blesses another from a place of power – the fullness of its bloom. If we imagine the lyric is “grey” (the ‘in-between’) – could it not have the same significance. Play with these ideas in your dreams and stillness to see what will occur to you. What a beautiful puzzle to decipher …. Indeed!”

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“Earlier we explained the song as a love song which has nothing to do with physical beauty; this song highlights the soul-to-soul love that exists among souls on this planet and continues into other realms. The “love does go on” and is not erased just because one soul leaves the earth realm for a new and evolving experience. “When it snows” does indeed refer to states of sadness/depression that are experienced by those in a human/incarnate state. Such energies lower your frequency and make it impossible for others here or in other realms to see your light. You must raise your vibrational frequency in order for those in the beyond to see your light. Comprehending this single message opens many to the understanding of frequency, vibration, and communication with other realms. In this vibrational universe you are never alone and those you believe to be “away” from you are right by your side. No farther away than the thought which brings them close. You are never alone, and you are loved. Continue to let your light shine bright in the world, and you will feel the love they shower on you.”

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Spirit’s explanation of the Holy Spirit:

“Beloved, the Holy Spirit/Higher Self is a gift left behind by someone who walked this path before you. A gift of great love as he took his leave. It was the assurance that you would always have a direct connection to Source – no middleman needed. It could indeed be called ‘the greatest love of all’ – and it is happening to and for anyone who desires to connect to it. Yes, you would say the “kiss by a rose” would be referring to the gift of the Holy Spirit. The “rose in bloom” would be the choosing to receive the Holy Spirit or connect with Higher Self.  Indeed, for it must be the choice of each individual to make the connection that allows their rose to begin to bloom.”

“The Holy Spirit energy is a gift – indeed, a gift of love available to all who desire/ask to receive it. There are many names used around the world to describe the same energy – it is an awakening within the body of dormant energy/gifts that provide higher and higher vibrational connections to Source’s/God’s love. This is the simple answer to your question.”

“Holy Spirit energy, Kundalini energy, Awakening, Chi, the opening of the chakras, being in flow, in the vortex – all represent an energy that increases vibrationally over time and ultimately leads to a frequency that aligns you with Source’s/God’s frequency. Your desire to gradually increase your vibrational frequency allows you the access to soul communication which you have reached. It is why you can connect with us in this way and with such ease. The frequency is in direct alignment with the amount of light you emit (or shine). In your case a “not so little” light that shines brighter than you can imagine.” 

Explanation of Higher Self from SS#5:

“The Higher Self is a nonphysical component of your beingness. It maintains its knowing, awareness, and direct connection to God/Source at all times. So, even when the physical manifestation of you forgets who you are, the Higher Self always comes from a place of higher vision, love, and connection to the truth of who you are. It is each person’s choice whether and when to open to this inner knowing and awareness, but when you make the choice to intentionally connect/merge with your authentic self, life transforms for the better – more love, more joy, peace.”

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“Beloved, so now we approach the heart of the message which will crack open the understanding for you and all to see. The “greying tower” is indeed the sea of unconscious from which everything arrives and eventually returns – “the darkness” as it is often described – the source or origination, “home” of everything that exist in the earth realm.  The creation of a physical/conscious world became the light in the vast darkness of the unconscious realm. A realm where love is and remains the answer, “the high”, the way, the path.  First love of self and then love for/toward all and everything that exist. The answer is “LOVE” to every question, to every situation, every so-called dilemma – never a pill, substance, or drink. But, when one is consumed by depression, anxiety, fear (and the like) it lowers their frequency to a level that hides their light – obstructs their connection and awareness of the love that is always available to them.”

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We will leave you with the understanding that this is a love song of the highest caliber, and as you know love can become an addiction and produce a high that doesn’t come from a pill.  Indeed!

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Lyrics Interpreted:

Ba-da-da, ba-da-da-da-da-da, ba-da-da

Ba-da-da, ba-da-da-da-da-da, ba-da-da

This is where the mystery of sound and music enters, with its ability to go and touch where words cannot enter.

Let’s call it the invitation of the masculine/feminine aspects within all life to the dance floor. So, the dance begins, the Divine dance of life with each soul having its own life playlist designed for that soul’s highest learning experience in the body. It is an intimate, passionate experience. When you are ready to awaken/bloom the Divine energy carries you into its dance of Love.

There used to be a greying tower alone on the sea

You became the light on the dark side of me. 

(To dig deeper into the lighthouse symbolism, see the JSST link under Resources.)

A lighthouse is a tower-shaped building located on the sea. The sea represents the unconscious, and the light represents consciousness. Physical darkness symbolizes the unconscious in our inner world. The unconscious is vast and deep. It is like the sea surrounding an island called “consciousness”. The lighthouse is also connected to creation, protection, transformation, and rebirth.

The “greying tower” is indeed on the sea of unconscious from which everything arrives and eventually returns – “the darkness” as it is often described – the source or origination, “home” of everything that exist in the earth realm.  The creation of a physical (or conscious) world became the light in the vast darkness of the unconscious realm.

The lyrics speak to discovering a connection to love that allows one to navigate the rough, sometimes treacherous, waters and “dark nights” of the soul which are a part of life. The light is a guiding light on my shadow side or the unexamined/not awakened aspects of me.

The lighthouse represents a helper, a secure place like home, a destination, accomplishment of difficult tasks, and arrival after a long arduous journey full of difficulties. “A lighthouse guides us on our journey into our inner world just like it guides ships to safety.” Light allows us to see things; in other words, it enables us to be aware of things that we could not be aware of before.

Love remained, a drug that’s the high and not the pill  

Upon incarnating the love still exist (remains) and the love you give and receive is the drug that provides a high – as opposed to a pill or substance providing it.

This is the realm where love is the answer, “the high”, the way, the path.  Love can and does produce a high that doesn’t come from a pill.  Love remains the ultimate high, not the pill or drug.

But did you know, that when it snows – my eyes become large and the light that you shine can’t be seen?

An acknowledgement that on the days when the shadow falls over one, it is like a blanket of snow or a blizzard that prevents us from seeing the light – the promise of Love. When the shadow comes down it blocks/obscures our vision and ability to see the light of love.

Snow used as the metaphor perhaps in relation to winter blues, winter depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) when depression symptoms are more severe. Snow as a metaphor here is referencing grief, depression, anxiety, etc. (all lower vibration states) – the sense of figurative darkness.  In darkness your eyes naturally dilate trying to take in more light, but those states block the light, the guidance, the directional light from the lighthouse cannot be seen. During these states it is harder to see the light of Source’s love.

The metaphor compares depression to snow and not being able to clear the way for someone/help to reach you. Depression is blinding, like snow. Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders cause your brain to get stuck in danger mode; even after you’re no longer in danger, your brain stays on high alert. Your body continues to send out stress signals, which lead to PTSD symptoms which include anxiety, guilt, shame, and anger.

When visibility is poor due to rain, snow, and fog we need a lighthouse to help guide us so that we do not repress or neglect our subconscious out of fear. Snow blindness is like visual static on an analog television. (see the article on snow blindness listed in Resources) This visual snow is the same condition as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) – it can trigger a similar disturbance entirely independent of drug triggers. You are experiencing “an act of nature, like snow. … sufferers are unaware if it buries just them or the whole world.” “It’s hard to tell that from the outside, but it’s so important for everyone to understand what it’s like from the inside, for sufferers.”

Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey

“Baby” – the speaker is acknowledging the feminine within all, for it needs to be acknowledged and honored, with an intimacy, not as a lover but as passionate partners on the journey.

“Life in the human body”, awakening, the remembrance of God’s Love is being compared to – a kiss (the blessing, the gift) from a rose (the Christ) on the grey (in the in-between, on the way to or from the grave) – the gift of the Holy Spirit for the disciples in the Christ story.

Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah

This is a statement of evolution of the soul — The more one awakens to the connection and availability of unconditional love, the closer they are to the frequency of Source/God – which can be quite an “otherworldly” feeling, even a mystical feeling or experience; much like a time-traveler, chronologically misplaced/ out of place in time, a bit bewildering.

And now that your rose is in bloom

“Now that your rose is in bloom” – the awakening, the process of recognizing/remembering who you are and honoring the gift that you are in the world has been activated. The rose in bloom is the increasing awareness of the connection and intentional actions to increase the vibrational energy/frequency (light) within the body. “Rose in bloom” is significant to being born again into the fullness of life in the world – rebirth. Even the rose that is blooming amid winter or snow is also a sign of renewal, rebirth.  (A rose in full bloom would mean fully awakened, fully aware and connected/united with Source’s/God’s love.)

A light hits the gloom on the grey

The light shines on my dark/shadow areas. The light is a guiding light on my shadow side/the unawaken aspects of me.

Light allows us to see things; it enables us to be aware of things that we could not be aware of before.

Ba-da-da, ba-da-da-da-da-da, ba-da-da

Ba-da-da, ba-da-da-da-da-da, ba-da-da

(Interlude – recall the dance metaphor)

There is so much a man can tell you, so much he can say

There is only so much a man/mankind can tell you to explain or to help you awaken. Talking about it can only do so much for one’s understanding of life, consciousness, the higher-self connection, and love. One must experience it for himself/herself. No middleman is needed – a personal connection/relationship is required

You remain my power, my pleasure, my pain, baby

This reflects the core message of the song. Humanity is the addiction; love for life on earth is an addiction. The desire to return again and again to experience the power, the pleasure, the pain of life in a body. It is a joy; it is a nightmare. An experience the soul can’t say no to, can’t deny, and can’t resist. Not the addiction of drugs/pills/alcohol that so many experience in the body, but the addiction to returning again and again to the body. An addiction to the love itself.

B-a-b-y, To me you’re like a growing/grown addiction that I can’t deny

“Baby” – the speaker addresses this source of love as a feminine energy, with an intimacy, not as a lover but as passionate partners on the journey.

A “growing” addiction would suggest that it is increasing – this desire for the experience of being in the body and awakening. It could be “grown” addiction, meaning it has increased, flourished, heightened; the addiction has become greater over time and is not shrinking or lessening.  Either way the same point is being expressed.

As was stated earlier, love can become an addiction that can’t be denied or rejected.

Won’t you tell me, is that healthy, baby?

This is a positive addiction that strengthens you and makes your life more satisfying, allows you to live with more confidence, more creativity, more happiness, and better health. Positive addictions enhance life; therefore, an addiction to the awakened life is healthy.

Most addictions are not healthy, but in this case … LOVE is a healthy addiction, especially love for yourself and humanity.

But did you know that when it snows

My eyes become large and the light that you shine can’t be seen?

(Also see more details above)

An acknowledgement that on the days/times when the shadow falls over him it is like a blanket of snow or a blizzard that prevents him from seeing the light/promise of Love. When the depression/shadow comes down it obscures his vision and ability to see the light of love.

Snow is referring to grief, depression, anxiety, anger, etc. (lower vibration states) – the sense of figurative darkness.  In darkness your eyes naturally dilate to take in more light. But those states block the light, the guiding/directional light cannot be seen. The love cannot be felt.

Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey

Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah

(Repeated – see above)

Now that your rose is in bloom

A light hits the gloom on the grey

(Repeated – see above)

I’ve been kissed by a rose on the grey

I’ve been kissed by a rose on the grey

I’ve been kissed by a rose on the grey

I’ve been kissed by a rose on the grey.

(And if I should fall, would it all go away?) 

If I should die, will the love all disappear/stop?  If I should go to sleep, as opposed to awakening, will the love go away?

Here the soul ponders/questions if mankind/this physical existence should die would it (this life, the experiences, the love, the memories of this life) all go away?

The answer: The love remains. You are never alone, and you are loved. The answer is “LOVE” to every question, to every situation, every so-called dilemma.

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“The waltz is not a complicated dance really.

The lady takes her place slightly to the left of the leading gentleman.

Six basic steps and that’s all.

However, it is said that the true test of the perfect waltz is for it to be

so swift, so delicate, and so smooth

that a candle flame will not be extinguished in the hand of the lead dancer. 

– Now, that requires the perfect partner.”

                                                                       ^{– Crimson Peak, 2015}

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“Dancing through life, swaying and sweeping and always keeping cool.

It’s just life, so keep dancing through.

Your life could end up changing while you’re dancing through.”

                                                                                                                                                  ^{– “Dancing Through Life” / Wicked the Musical}

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Resources:

^{Rick Beato, “What Makes This Song Great” Episode 105 https://youtu.be/Hhgoli8klLA}

^{William Glasser, Positive Addiction. New York: Harper Colophon Books, 1985.}

^{Kim Y-R. A Lighthouse: Guide for the Journey http://e-jsst.org/}

_{Anxiety Snowstorm Metaphor  https://themighty.com/2017/07/anxiety-snowstorm-metaphor/}

_{Depression is like Snow  https://medium.com/the-plan-b-vibe/depression- is-like snow-5f49237b0974}

^{Wicked (the musical) by Winne Holzman 2003}

^{Crimson Peak – 2015}

^{War and Peace – 2016}