Give Me the Roses While I Live

DESCRIPTION: "Wonderful things of men are said, When they have passed away, Roses adorn the narrow bed, Over the sleeping clay. Give me the roses while I live... Useless are flowers that you give After the soul is gone." Encouraging companionship while still alive
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1933 (recording, Carter Family)
KEYWORDS: friend flowers religious nonballad death
FOUND IN: US
REFERENCES (1 citation):
DT, GIVEROSE*
Roud #17339
RECORDINGS:
The Carter Family, "Give Me Roses While I Live" (Victor Vi-23821, 1933; Montgomery Ward M-7356, c. 1937)
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "When I Leave These Earthly Shores" (theme of giving roses)
cf. "Love Me Now" (theme of love while one is still alive)
NOTES [16 words]: In the Sacred Harp, this is given the tune-name Odem, after a friend of editor Thomas Denson. - RBW
Last updated in version 5.0
File: RcGMTRWL

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