Petals

Album: Rainbow (1999)
Play Video
  • I've often wondered if there's ever been a perfect family
    I've always longed for undividedness and sought stability

    A flower taught me how to pray
    But as I grew, that flower changed
    She started flaying in the wind
    Like golden petals scattering

    And I miss you dandelion
    And even love you
    And I wish there was a way
    For me to trust you
    But it hurts me every time
    I try to touch you

    But I miss you dandelion
    And even love you

    I gravitated towards a patriarch so young predictably
    I was resigned to spend my life within a maze of misery

    A boy and a girl befriended me
    We're bonded through despondency
    I stayed so long but finally
    I fled to save my sanity
    And I miss you little sis
    And Little brother
    And I hope you realize
    I'll always love you
    (Always love you)
    And although you're struggling
    You will recover (we're gonna make it maybe)
    And I miss you little sis and little brother

    So many I considered
    Closest to me
    Turned on a dime and sold me
    Out dutifully
    Although that knife was chipping
    Away at me
    They turned their eyes away and
    Went home to sleep
    (Sleep) (Sleep) (Sleep)

    And I missed a lot of life
    But I'll recover
    Though I know you really like
    To see me suffer
    Still I wish that you and I'd
    Forgive each other
    'Cause I miss you, Valentine
    And really loved you

    I really loved you
    (I guess I loved you)
    I tried so hard
    But you drove me away
    To preserve my sanity

    And I found the strength to break away Writer/s: James Harris III, James Quenton Wright, Mariah Carey, Terry Lewis
    Publisher: Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnSuch a personal and tragic song. This is the best track on Rainbow and I hated that album.
  • Yes from Bellflower, CaI went to see Mariah in concert at Staples Center when Rainbow came out and her voice cracked when she sang this song. It's a beautiful song and it reminds me of my siblings back home. I LOVE MIMI!!
  • Noregrets from Couve, WaShe said it's a very personal song and she sometimes gets emotional when she performs it. Most likely it's about her sister Alison.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.