The song "Pretty Flower" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes is a heartfelt ballad about a deep and unrequited love. The lyrics express the longing and desire the narrator feels for someone they are deeply in love with. The "pretty flower" symbolizes the object of their affection, someone who constantly occupies their thoughts and is always on their mind. The song begins with the narrator reflecting on the end of a day and wondering what the future holds for them. They have tried to forget their love for this person, but their thoughts of them continue to linger. The repetition of "pretty flower" emphasizes the constant presence of this person in the narrator's mind. As the song progresses, the narrator confesses that they are hungry and starving for the love of this person. They struggle to sleep at night because they simply want to hold them. Every time they close their eyes, they see the object of their affection. The lyrics also convey the narrator's frustration that the person they love cannot see or comprehend the depth of their feelings. They swear that this person does not understand how much they truly love them. The repeated assurance that they will be anything the other person needs - a father, a brother, a friend - reinforces their commitment and willingness to support and care for them. In the latter part of the song, the narrator shares that they have been watching the person they love grow, and they have been there throughout their journey. This further emphasizes the depth of their connection and the time they have invested in this relationship. They claim to understand where this person comes from and where they are going. Ultimately, "Pretty Flower" is a poignant and passionate declaration of love. It showcases the narrator's unwavering devotion and their longing to be understood and loved in return.
