"It Must Have Been the Roses" is a song by Jerry Garcia, the lead guitarist and vocalist of the Grateful Dead. The song was first released on the Grateful Dead's studio album titled "Wake of the Flood" in 1973. The lyrics of the song revolve around a woman named Annie who is found laid down in the roses. She is described as having ribbons in her long brown hair. The narrator is uncertain of what exactly caused him to be drawn to her, suggesting that it may have been the roses or the ribbons in her hair. Regardless, he couldn't bring himself to leave her there. The song also touches upon the passing of time, as the narrator reflects on how the waves bring ships home from the sea over the course of ten years. He contemplates the transient nature of life and the company we keep. The narrator also refers to a secret that Annie shared with him, something that she told him with her own lips, and expresses a desire to be laid to rest beneath the roses until he can no longer see. Towards the end of the song, it is revealed that no one comes around anymore to visit the window with one pane of glass, where the crimson ribbons that Annie wore have faded. The narrator ponders on the strangeness of this absence and how things have changed. Overall, "It Must Have Been the Roses" is a poetic and reflective song that explores themes of beauty, attraction, life's fleeting nature, and the passing of time. It leaves room for interpretation and invites listeners to contemplate the mysteries of human connection and the impact of time on relationships.
