Continuing with the theme of spring from the last Battle of the Bands, I decided to go with the theme of flowers for this Battle. Flowers of different varieties all over the Northern Hemisphere will start to bloom and blossom in the upcoming weeks. I love going to the gardens located next to the city zoo here in Nagoya. But, my most favorite place is a flower park filled with so many tulips in Nagano Prefecture. Flowers are one reason why I love spring!
Although we cannot enjoy these flowers at gardens or flower parks right now due to the Coronavirus, we can still enjoy songs about them. So, let’s get to the battle: which kind of flowers do you want?
So Many Choices For Flowers
When I thought about this battle, I knew that I would want to use “Send Him Forget me Nots” by Patricia Rushen. But, it was really hard to find a worthy competitor against an 80s classic. I was originally going to choose “Kiss By a Rose” by Seal as it is was my mother’s most-played soundtrack of 1995 and a worthy song against “Send Him Forget Me Nots”. But, I ultimately decided not to use it in this battle as I wanted to keep the 80s theme.
So, I looked around the web for songs from the 80s that were about flowers. That is how I found Rushen’s contender: “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea. I never heard of this song before nor Kathy Mattea, but it sounded like a worthy song. It is something different than “Send Him Forget me Nots” as “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” is a country song. But, both songs are about receiving flowers from or giving them to a lover.
The rules of the Battle of the Bands is simple: just listen to both songs and vote for your favorite in the comments. I can’t wait to see who wins this battle!
“Send Him Forget Me Nots” by Patricia Rushen
Patricia Rushen is one of my favorite artists of the 80s. You can hear the why in “Send Him Forget me Nots” as Rushen is such a talented singer. Although “Send Him Forget me Nots” showcases a softer side of Rushen’s vocals, there are moments in the song where the singer shows off her complete range, especially right before the chorus. It also has a funky beat that makes you want to get up and dance to, all thanks to the bass line played by Freddie Washington.
Interestingly, her record label (Elektra) thought that “Send Him Forget Me Nots” was going to be a flop as the song was radically different than her previously released album (1980’s Posh — which is my favorite). However, it was a hit as the tune charted on three different charts: Top 40, R&B, and Dance. The song was also featured in movies like the 1988 classic Big. It also has been sampled by many artists like George Michael with the 1996 tune “Fastlove” and Will Smith’s with the 1997 hit “Men in Black”.
“Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea
Mattea sings about a truck driver named Charlie who is making his last run after 30 years on the road. The hook is that he’s still madly in love with his wife, so now he spend the rest of his life with her – that’s who the dozen roses are for.
https://www.songfacts.com/facts/kathy-mattea/eighteen-wheels-and-a-dozen-roses
Like I said above, I have never heard “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” before today. But, it sounds like a really decent and relaxing song. The tune does feel like a trucker song, which I found out that that the song is a favorite among truckers. “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” does sound like a true country song with the twangy country guitar throughout the tune.
The message of the song is what stood out for me. It is such a sentimental song about someone who is madly in love with wife after many years of marriage. Just like my parents, who have been married for 34 years this fall, they are still in love with each other even as they are heading into their 60s. It is really sweet!
Who Will It Be?
Now it is your turn to vote! Who will be the victor? Tell me in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think!
I am also part of the “Battle of the Bands” blog collection. After you vote, please visit the other battles:
🌞 Visit TOSSING IT OUT by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit MIKE’S RAMBLINGS’by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit CURIOUS AS A CATHY by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING by clicking HERE
🌞 Visit JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit ANGELS BARK by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit THE DOGLADY’S DEN by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit STMoC PRESENTS BATTLE OF THE BANDS by clicking HERE.
The Winner for “The Battle of the Bands at the Beginning of Spring“
Thank you to all who voted in the Battles of the Bands about precious songs that are about spring:
The Winner of the Battle is…
“Haru yo, Koi” by Yumi Matsutoya
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This is really difficult because they are both good to my ears and in such different styles. Guess I’m in more of a disco mood tonight because Patricia Rushen is my preference right now and she gets my vote. But Kathy Mattea is very good–I actually have one of her albums and I’ve liked her music for a long time.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Hah, I am actually watching Men in Black right now! Will Smith is my favorite actor and it’s one of my very favorite movies. I’m going to listen up for this song now as I’m watching!
It’s really hard to choose because they have a both great artist but I think “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea is for me.
It’s got to be Forget Me Nots for me!
I like both and I am not a country song person but I give it to Kathy Mattea because she is not too countryish and I love the sentiment. I would buy the first record before this one but I think I am swayed by the heartfelt sentiment
Hi. I got curious with Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea. Was listening to it now.
I love this spring inspired battle! My vote is for forget me nots.
“Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” is my vote. That is such a sweet song. If you don’t mind my adding something. How about “Butterfly” by CrazyTown?
Forget me Knots for me! Such great memories of the 80s…..which warms my heart right now!
I have no idea who those artist are because I’m into hip hop but flowers,I love 🌹.
Amy,
How are you doing? First off, am I supposed to see a link to your battle songs? If not, then okay, otherwise I don’t ’em. That’s okay, I’m at YT right now listening to your picks. I’m going to give my vote Forget Me Nots. 🙂 Stay safe and well, my dear!
Cathy’s Pinup Girl Art Sketch Series ‘M’ & BoTB
I am doing ok Cathy. How are you dear? Things are getting serious in Japan as I am soon to be off for three weeks (but go to work for three) and everything is closing up。Keep safe!
I’ve never heard either of these songs until now. I guess Patricia wins this one for me.
Well I will shoes the two because I haven’t heard those songs before.
Both are awesome but I think Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea is super awesome…Thanks a lot for the awesome music.
Send Him Forget Me Nots is my jam! lol Just reading the title brought back memories
Checking them out! Can’t decide yet which one is better. Hehe
Flower is the symbol of love, happiness, hope, thanks, grateful, I love flowers and like every flower but my favorite flower if JASMINE.
They’re both great singers. But I guess it is Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses is for me.
I’m not familiar with either but I like the title for “Send Him Forget Me Nots”.
I’m not sure if I’m a rose-type of person. Is there music for peonies?
To be honest I have never heard of these artists before nor listening to their musics but tried to listened to both songs right now and I fell in love on Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea, it’s beautiful.
Never heard either of these songs. Will check them out soon.
i’ve never heard either song but i’m leaning toward a dozen roses.
I have never heard of either of these songs. I listened to them and I think I have to go with Forget me nots.
I’m a sappy kind of chick and I find Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses by Kathy Mattea really really nice!!!!
I have never heard of this song or any of this before! thank you for sharing happy weekend !
I’ve never heard either of these songs until now. Need to check them out!!!
This is a cute challenge. That’s fun to find songs about flowers.
I love this spring-inspired battle!
Ah, too difficult to decide! x
This is such a fun post! Totally lifted my spirits during this unusual time!
I love to listen ‘Send Him Forget Me Nots’. It’s a beautiful song!
It’s really tough to say – I’m not totally sure what I’d choose!
I’m a tulip type of flowers. I’d love the classy and a sweet look of it.
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