Sorrel

Album: Wishbone Four (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to the band's official biography Blowin' Free, Martin Turner wrote this about a plant growing in his garden. When he returned from a US tour it had shriveled up and died, so he wrote a song about it.
  • In October 2008, Turner expanded on this in his on-line question and answer forum, saying it must "rank as a pretty bizarre song subject. I found this little weed growing in a crack in the path, fished it out and put in a pot with soil where it flourished and had sweet little yellow flowers darling. Went off on tour and asked my other half at the time to take good care of it, meaning give it a bit of water now and again. Came back six weeks later - dead as a dodo - bitch, I thought. So I wrote a song about it using a license called 'poetic'. Silly thing is, it was not Sorrel at all but some other plant, but I particularly liked the name Sorrel so I used that." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments: 4

  • Badger from Los Angeles, CaThis song is moving and deserves many a listening... If one has a heart it will soar!
  • Human from Manchester, United KingdomAnother beautiful song penned and sung by Mr. Turner.
  • Tiffany from Small Town, Alok.. I LOVE THIS SONG! i would have to say its my third favorite WA song. i love it!
  • James from Toronto, Canadathis song is absolutely incredible...come on people, write more comments here. I cannot beleive I am the second person to write a comment for such a great song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root

Michael Glabicki of Rusted RootSongwriter Interviews

Michael tells the story of "Send Me On My Way," and explains why some of the words in the song don't have a literal meaning.