Rare Vintage 1979 Video Shows Bette Midler Performing 'The Rose' Live

Aug 18, 2020 by apost team

Achieving objective greatness is a rare feat that not many artists accomplish, but Bette Midler is absolutely one of the few gifted performers who truly actualized universally appreciated brilliance.

To find proof of the singer’s enrapturing prowess, look no further than her iconic live rendition of The Rose, which took place in front of a huge audience of Midler fans back in the late 1970s.

For those who happened to be coming of age as the 1970s were winding down, nothing captured the end of an era more poignantly than this touching piano ballad. As a consequence, Midler’s work has become a prominent source of inspiration for a certain crowd of pop culture aficionados from a different generation. Without a doubt, she belongs to an extremely exclusive league of outstanding performers who masterfully transcend time and space alike.

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This sentimental track explores a relatable predicament revolving around unrequited love, which she harrowingly expresses “is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed" in the song's lyrics. However, it’s not just a woeful lament; in fact, the existential lyrics might leave you in a philosophical daze wondering if a soul that fears dying really can’t learn how to live. As you can see, a vintage noir vibe seductively masks the darker undertones.

In addition, this tune’s poetic final verse provides an invaluable perspective that teaches a profound lesson to those feeling lost in isolation. It’s hard not to be impacted by the way Midler sings, “When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long, and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong: Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snow lies the seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose.”

This ingenious song has been permanently associated with Midler for decades, but her prominent performance shouldn’t overshadow other impressive editions. Surprisingly, most audiences aren’t even aware that the original was actually performed by Amanda McBroom, according to Vulture.

Furthermore, Christopher Maloney unleashed his unique take on the composition to generate widespread acclaim, and Conway Twitty also put his own signature twist on the cover, according to Vulture. In the end, countless acts have given it a spin, and it always retains shocking freshness. Naturally, the far-reaching notoriety of Midler’s version is predominantly due to being featured in the soundtrack of an eponymous film that was a huge hit, according to Vulture. As it stands, Midler's interpretation of this classic track was a major highlight of The Rose, the film.

Because our listening proclivities are often forged via a combination of nostalgic associations to formative experiences and popular contemporary trends, it’s impossible to fairly judge anyone’s choice of the setlist. Instead of emphasizing contrasts, it’s wise to focus on the special songs that everyone can enjoy like this one.

The melancholy attitude of this enchanting throwback is bound to give goosebumps to you and your friends in a heartbeat. It goes without saying that we are all incredibly lucky that Midler’s unbelievably rich talents were immortalized on tape.

What do you think of Bette Midler's rendition of The Rose? What do you think of the film? Let us know and make sure your musically-inclined friends and family members don't miss this beautiful live performance.