"Black Rose" by Waylon Jennings tells the story of a man's temptation and struggles with a seductive woman, referred to as the "Black Rose." The song takes place in Virginia, among fields of tall sugar canes. The narrator starts by describing a simple man who lives with a Dominique hen and a rose with a different name. This alludes to a simple and peaceful life he had before encountering the Black Rose. The first time he fell for her charms was standing in the rain with a hand trembling from a bottle of gin. The lyrics convey the idea that the narrator might be blaming the Devil for his infidelity. He acknowledges that he was tempted by the Devil the first time, but the second time, he made his own choice. He prays for strength, asking the Lord to help him overcome his attraction to the Black Rose. The Black Rose is depicted as a woman who defies societal norms and expectations. She is described as being built for speed, meaning she is dangerous and has the ability to manipulate and deceive men. She is adept at making a new fool of someone every day, indicating her talent for seduction. The narrator finds himself in a darker and shameful place, caught up with a cane cutting man, again with a bottle of gin, and the Black Rose. This implies that he has succumbed to his desires despite his initial wishes to resist. Overall, "Black Rose" is a cautionary tale about the seductive power of temptation and the consequences of succumbing to it. The narrator realizes that he needs to break free from the allure of the Black Rose and seeks help from a higher power.
