How Blood Red Roses By Rod Stewart Was Inspired By Traditional Sea Shanties

March 21, 2025

Rod Stewart sat in his small studio, surrounded by scattered sheets of music and a fading guitar that had seen years of soulful strumming. It was the late 1990s, and Stewart, an iconic rock star, found himself reflecting on the sea shanties he had heard as a child. These rough and tumble songs, sung by sailors braving the wild oceans, were filled with tales of love, loss, and adventure. As he thought about their simple melodies and powerful emotions, he felt a spark of inspiration that pulled him back to a time when music was a lifeline for sailors and a way to bond over shared hardships.

The sea shanties told stories of longing and hope, often echoing the feelings that came rushing back to him during quiet nights. “Blood Red Roses” emerged from this sea of nostalgia, capturing the essence of those traditional songs while also reflecting Stewart’s own life experiences. The lyrics told a tale of love—an everlasting promise to return home, no matter how rough the journey might be. As he shaped the song, it felt like a tribute to both the sailors of yore and to his own fans, who had followed him through thick and thin. Each note resonated with the feeling of resilience, a reminder that even when the waves of life crashed hard, there was always something beautiful to reach for.

As he finished the song, Stewart realized it was more than just a new addition to his repertoire—it was a bridge connecting his career to the generations of musicians who came before him. He felt a profound sense of gratitude for the musical lineage that had inspired him. This deep connection only fortified his resolve to share the song with the world. With every performance, he poured his heart into “Blood Red Roses,” allowing the audience to feel the tug of the ocean, the ache of loss, and the warmth of hope that came with every verse.

The reception to the song was electrifying. Fans were not only familiar with Stewart’s signature sound but also resonated with the raw emotion of his new work. Many listeners shared how the song reminded them of their own journeys, drawing parallels between the rocky seas of life and their personal struggles. This made Stewart feel like he was not just a performer but also a storyteller, weaving the tales of countless souls together through music. “Blood Red Roses” climbed the charts, rekindling interest in his music and proving to both Stewart and his fans that he still had much to share.

But beyond the commercial success, the song marked a turning point in Stewart’s life. It reignited his passion for songwriting and inspired him to dive deeper into his roots, revisiting traditional melodies and themes. The experience was transformative, teaching him that art could thrive on tradition while also pushing boundaries. In a world that often feels disconnected, Rod Stewart found a way to fuse the past and present, using his voice to send ripples of hope across generations.

In the end, “Blood Red Roses” became more than just a song; it symbolized resilience and the enduring power of music. Rod Stewart’s journey was a testament that even in the face of life’s storms, there was beauty to be found, and threads of connection could be woven through our shared stories. With renewed vigor, he stepped back onto the stage, ready to tell his tales and sing not just for himself, but for every sailor, dreamer, and lover out there searching for their own blood red roses.