About the song
“The Sabre and the Rose” is a song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson. Known for his deep, poetic lyrics and raw storytelling, Kristofferson wrote this song as a part of his critically acclaimed 1986 album Repossessed. The song is a beautiful yet haunting ballad that showcases his mastery in combining emotion with vivid imagery.
At its core, “The Sabre and the Rose” is a reflective piece, often interpreted as a metaphorical exploration of love, conflict, and sacrifice. The “sabre” symbolizes a sharp, aggressive force, perhaps representing conflict or war, while the “rose” is traditionally seen as a symbol of beauty and love. These two contrasting images embody the delicate balance between harshness and tenderness, a duality often found in human relationships. Kristofferson, with his gravelly voice and heartfelt delivery, turns this song into a deeply evocative narrative, resonating with those who appreciate subtle yet powerful storytelling.
---> Scroll down for the VIDEO
The instrumentation is relatively minimalist, allowing Kristofferson’s voice and lyrics to take center stage. The steady acoustic guitar, complemented by light percussion and somber tones, enhances the reflective mood of the song. As the song unfolds, listeners are drawn into a world of longing, struggle, and hope, a familiar territory for Kristofferson’s works.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “The Sabre and the Rose” is the way it touches on universal themes without being overly specific, leaving room for personal interpretation. Whether seen as a tale of love lost in the face of war, or a broader allegory about the fragility of life and the human condition, the song remains timeless in its appeal.
---> Scroll down for the VIDEO
Kristofferson’s ability to craft songs that delve into the human psyche has cemented his place as one of the great storytellers of American music. “The Sabre and the Rose” continues to be a significant track in his discography, captivating both longtime fans and new listeners alike with its emotional depth and lyrical grace.
Video
Lyrics
“Sabre And The Rose”
Quicker than a bullet or a knife
Falling ain’t no fun when you’re on the run
Honey we was runnin’ for our life
When Stagger Lee had drunk his fill of moonlight
He turned his burnin’ eyes upon my soul
“It’s time, by God, to spend this night with someone else”, he said.
“Squeeze a little pleasure from the gold” (love & glory, children)
We can take it easy when we’re old.
He said, “We’ll take us into town, lay our money down
I’ll bring you to the sweetest thing that grows
Because the fairest ones in sight are bloomin’ every night at a tavern
Called the Sabre and the Rose.”
We swang into the saddle slick as breathing
And slapped ’em once for pleasure with the reins
The horses snorted frosty in the moonlight
Somethin’ dark was singing in my veins
Older than the voices in my brain.
He said, “This place you’re gonna see is where they live and breathe
And sink down a little bit deeper every day
And sometimes at night, when the wind is runnin’ right,
You can hear it suckin’ thirty miles away”
Then the light was crimson and I found her,
All naked and eternal and insane
Sacred as the mysteries around her like a veil
Nothin’ but her prison was profane
All we had in common was our chains.
Ah-burn it down boys
Burn it to the ground, boys
Burn it on down
Feet hit the ground; feet leaving town
Quicker than a bullet or a knife
All the way she ran holdin’ to my hand
Runnin’ for the river and our life
Slidin’ from the moonlight into shadows
Silent as the river as it flows
Swimmin’ to the place they’ll never find us
All we left behind us was our clothes
And the stories, children.
Sing about The Sabre and the Rose