Introduction
At the emotional memorial service for the late Naomi Judd, Wynonna Judd’s performance of “The Rose” with Brandi Carlile was a powerful highlight. Wynonna, still reeling from the loss of her mother and close partner throughout her career, stood tall on stage, singing with both trembling and pride.
Accompanying her was Brandi Carlile – a multi-Grammy award-winning artist known for her warm heart and community spirit – who not only lent her voice but also became a strong spiritual support for Wynonna in that moment.
The two voices, seemingly from two different worlds – one a classic country icon, the other a representative of modern Americana – blended harmoniously in each melody, turning “The Rose” into a hymn to loss, love and faith. Critics called it “one of the most powerfully healing musical moments on television this year,” and fans were stunned by the honesty, courage, and invisible connection between the two artists. It was more than just a performance—it was the most beautiful farewell to Naomi Judd, from women who loved, sang, and rose from their pain.
Video
Lyrics
Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger
An endless, aching need
I say love it is a flower
And you its only seed
It’s the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It’s the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
It’s the one who won’t be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul afraid of dying
That never learns to live
And 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