The song is so beautiful, it is a testament to Mary Black's integrity as an Artist. She has brought me so much joy through her music, her ability to find the greatest songs. "The Thorn Upon The Rose" is one of my favorite songs ever! Thank You to Mary Black for a career of beautiful music.
A beautiful singing voice is an instrument like a fine violin and is a precious gift. Mary Black was not only gifted a beautiful voice but also the musical ability to be able to use it.
I loved a young man when I was 21 and he was 18. He was very sweet and kind to me. Better than anyone I have ever known. It did not last but that sweet memory is still with me. He loved music. He subsequently died in New Orleans after being stabbed in the heart two days before Valentines Day. He would have been 29 in May. He was not what he seemed when I first met him, but I would take that thorn any day. The memory had faded somewhat but this brought it all back. What a gift.
my previous high end audio dealer in Honolulu (RIP) used her cds for listening to his audio components, and got me hooked on Mary Black back in the mid 1990s !
Mary Black is a very exceptional singer and a great asset to Ireland. I humbly suggest to her music lovers in Ireland to join together and initiate a campaign to name her A National Treasure.
I came across Mary's music purely by chance 15 years ago. Have been a constant fan ever since. She has the innate ability to add perfect clarity to wonderful harmonics. A voice that will outlast many others.
I am pretty sure that Mary's voice was a replica of the angels in heaven. And I will love to arrive there to hear such voices. This is simply heavenly.
Yes, but not likely as most see it, as a result of some baptism or other earthy rite. My sins are forgiven through faith in Christ Jesus my Lord, whose blood has covered all my sins. It is all by grace, through faith [which Christ provided], and not by works of any kind. The Apostle Paul said it like this: "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, MADE US ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST (by grace you have been saved). Ephesians 2: 4-5) But thanks for asking.
One of Ireland's greatest talents....and so underrated! Along with Danny, her daughter Roisin O' is now following in her mother's very talented footsteps. Long may the Black/O'Donoghue singing dynasty continue! x
Most truthful song, ever written, in terms about how it 'follows you wherever love grows'.. in terms of not forgotten, not affected. Mary, I met you in SF Ca. when you were appearing for autographs, at Powell & market Sts. I believe at the warehouse of records. Now gone. I'm blonde now, gave you my SLigo grand dads name, at the time. You took time for me, and in line, I had my younger dark hair and thick eyebrows of BURKE denomination, from Eire. However, it is here that I hope you recall me, remember me, as I do recall your humility, and simple directness and not even affected by the fame of the BLACK family name. In SF, always heard them St. Pats day in part, for Nancy, you know where.. Historically? I've followed your song in my Irish heart due to life, and the way it goes. Older now, but that's friggin life isn't it. Hope you ck in to see how past songs' have affected readers. Bless you. Slainte'
It's taste was sweet like summer wine, the heart that beats in double time. So he waltzed right in, he bowled you over, and you're still reeling from the feeling when he's gone. The door is closed, the lock is turned, and all the memories and letters have been burned. So when you pick the handsome flower don't forget the thorn upon the rose It's cut is deep and it's scar lasts forever, it follows love wherever love goes. Just how we fall it's hard to know when what we feel we seldom show. So we show the parts we feel are best, we squirm around the edges trying to cover up the rest. You think you know him and he thinks the same, when underneath it all it's just a crazy guessing game So when you pick the handsome flower don't forget the thorn upon the rose!…
Mary Black is awesome! Thank you so much for posting this video! This song speaks to so many of us on so many different levels. I can't imagine anyone else singing it but Mary.
This is Julie Matthews song, I know because I was 1 of 4 people at her house when she played it for the first time, & She told us M B had taken an option on it, The Best Version of it is by Pat Shaw on the Lies & Alibis Album (Fat Cat Records FATCD001)Pat & Julie were a Duo at the time. Mary black is Brilliant though
I think more people would've covered this song except for the line "for all the bruises, for all the blows." It's just way too easy to take that one literally, to have the speaker seem wistful for a romance that included physical battering. Might not have been meant that way by the lyricist, but that one line I think has held back the fortunes of a stunning and insightful piece of work.
Mary must be unusual for a woman in that she has got considerably more beautiful as she has got older (see the 1979 clip for proof!) and her voice has mellowed too. I think her singing was at its best in the early 90s - since then she seems to have gone a bit warbly (maybe too much influence from the Mary J. Blige school of never singing 1 note when 197 will do). This isa great song though - as is all of the Babes in The Wood and No Frontiers albums.
