To grasp the song’s full meaning, it’s important to know that Rose is not just my last name but also my kids’.

When I wanted to capture the perfect vibe for “Picking Roses,” I personally went outside, gathered roses, and placed them in a sound booth before recording. This not only heightened the sensory experience but also added an extra layer of authenticity to the whole process.

“Picking Rose” serves as the final addition to “Live From Fatherhood.” In the past, I hesitated and, at times, felt ashamed to discuss money in my music. The conventional approach in rap often involves boasting about wealth, but by those standards, I’ve never had enough.

Questioning Priorities

“You know, it’s fucked up when you be overly concerned with my money.” I start the song by highlighting a problem that’s all too common in our lives—people being overly concerned with our financial status. I’ve always found it peculiar how certain individuals can become so absorbed in the financial aspects of others’ lives that it stirs up anger in them, especially considering I come from poverty. I find this phenomenon perplexing, struggling to understand why people let someone else’s financial situation bother them to such an extent. To emphasize this point, I added the line, “as if me making less gon’ to pay yo’ bills.”

That’s a Fee

“I got kids to feed and they got expensive taste. You ain’t bringing plates, stay the fuck up out my face, respectfully,” sets a clear boundary, indicating that if someone isn’t contributing or adding value to my life, they should keep their distance. The use of explicit language contrasts with the term “respectfully,” revealing a no-nonsense attitude while maintaining a degree of politeness.

Putting Family First

The core message of the song lies in the lines, “I’m not try’na keep up with Joneses, the Kardashians, the Combs, or the Carters. Just my son and daughters. Yeah, that focused. I don’t give a fuck about what y’all doing; I’m picking Roses.” This reaffirms my unwavering dedication to prioritizing my children over societal standards or the materialistic pursuits of others. It’s a potent declaration of self-determination, emphasizing my refusal to blindly submit to societal pressures or the opinions of others.

The Pitfalls of Materialism

“Money isn’t the root of all evil but it plants the roots that feed ya.” This line beautifully captures the idea that money isn’t inherently evil and can be a tool to nourish and protect one’s loved ones. It encourages listeners to think beyond their own immediate needs and consider the impact their financial choices can have not only on their future but future generations as well.

A Declaration of Self-Determination

“Every rose has its thorn because the world is full of animals to protect them from. You see this rose, this one here, grew from concrete, adjusted to, busted through, then boom: it bloomed.” In essence, these lyrics paint a vivid picture of my children as resilient individuals who, like roses, have and will face challenges in the concrete-like toughness of the world. The imagery suggests growth, adaptation, and eventual flourishing, emphasizing the strength and beauty that can emerge from difficult circumstances.

Final Thoughts

“Picking Roses” is a refreshing anthem of financial independence, self-respect, and the rejection of unhealthy societal norms. The phrase “Wake up and smell the roses” suggests that it’s time to prioritize what truly matters. This song serves as a much-needed celebration for anyone striving to stay true to themselves, prioritizing family above all else—except for oneself—and rejecting the noise of an overly materialistic world.

So, turn up the volume, internalize the message, and let’s all start “Picking Roses” in our own lives.

Picking Roses lyrics