“Roses” is a song by the American hip hop duo OutKast, released on March 1, 2004. The song is a diss track aimed at superficial women, represented in the lyrics by the character “Caroline”. It is the only song on André 3000’s half of the double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below to feature a verse from Big Boi.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Roses” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: André 3000]
Caroline (Caroline), see, Caroline
All the guys would say she’s mighty fine (mighty fine)
But mighty fine only got you somewhere half the time
And the other half either got you
Cussed out or comin’ up short
Yeah, now dig this, now even though (even though)
You’d need a golden calculator to divide (to divide)
The time it took to look inside and realize
That real guys go for real down to Mars girls, haha, yeah
André 3000 introduces Caroline as an attractive woman who relies on her looks. He suggests that her beauty only gets her halfway in life, while the other half leads to negative consequences. The “golden calculator” metaphor implies that it would take a long time for Caroline to realize her true nature.
[Chorus: André 3000]
I know you’d like to think your shit don’t stank, but
Lean a little bit closer, see
Roses really smell like boo-boo-ooh
Yeah, roses really smell like boo-boo-ooh
I know you’d like to think your shit don’t stank, but
Lean a little bit closer, see
Roses really smell like boo-boo-ooh
Yeah, roses really smell like boo-boo-ooh
The chorus uses the metaphor of roses to represent Caroline’s superficial beauty. The phrase “roses really smell like boo-boo-ooh” suggests that despite her outward appearance, her personality is unpleasant. This is a play on the idea that “every rose has its thorn”.
[Verse 2: André 3000]
Caroline, (Caroline), see
She’s the reason for the word ‘bitch’ (bitch)
I hope she’s speedin’ on the way to the club
Tryna hurry up to get to a baller or singer or somebody like that
And try to put on her makeup in the mirror and crash, crash
Crash into a ditch
(Just playin’)
She needs a golden calculator to divide (to divide)
The time it takes to look inside and realize
That real guys go for real down to Mars girls, yeah
André 3000 expresses frustration with Caroline’s behavior, going as far as to wish her harm (though he quickly adds “Just playin'”). He reiterates the “golden calculator” metaphor, emphasizing that genuine men prefer women with substance.
[Verse 3: Big Boi]
Well, she’s got a hottie’s body but her attitude is potty
When I met her at a party, she was hardly acting naughty
I said, “Shorty, would you call me?”
She said, “Pardon me, are you balling?”
I said “Darling, you sound like a prostitute pausing”
Oh, so you’re one them freaks
Get geeked at the sight of an ATM receipt
But game been peeped,
droppin’ names, she’s weak
Trickin’ off this bitch is lost, must take me for a geek
A quick way to eat, a neat place to sleep
A rent-a-car for a week, a trick for a treat
No go on the raw sex, my AIDS test is flawless
Regardless, we don’t wanna get involved with all them lawyers
And judges just to hold grudges in a courtroom
I wanna see your support bra, not support you
(Not support you, not support you)
Big Boi describes an encounter with a woman similar to Caroline. He criticizes her materialistic attitude and implies that she’s only interested in men for their money. He also mentions taking precautions against sexually transmitted diseases and avoiding legal complications.
[Bridge: André 3000]
Better come back down to Mars
Girl, quit chasing cars
What happens when the dough gets low
Bitch, you ain’t that fine, no way, no way, no way
Better come back down to Mars
Girl, quit chasing cars
What happens when the dough gets low
Bitch, you ain’t that fine, no way, no way, no way
The bridge advises the woman to “come back down to Mars,” a play on the phrase “down to earth.” It warns her about the consequences of her superficial behavior, especially when money runs out.
[Outro: Big Boi]
Crazy bitch
Crazy bitch
Crazy bitch
Crazy bitch
Crazy bitch
Crazy bitch
Crazy bitch
(Bitch) Crazy bitch
(Stupid-ass bitch) Crazy bitch
(Old punk-ass bitch) Crazy bitch
(Old dumb-ass bitch) Crazy bitch
(A bitch’s bitch) Crazy bitch
(Just a bitch) Crazy bitch
(Stupid-ass bitch) Crazy bitch
(Old punk-ass bitch) Crazy bitch
(Old dumb-ass bitch) Crazy bitch
(A bitch’s bitch) Crazy bitch
(Just a bitch)
The outro consists of repetitive insults directed at the “crazy bitch,” reinforcing the song’s critical stance towards women who prioritize looks and material wealth over character.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Roses”
OutKast’s “Roses” is a song that delves into the complexities of attraction and superficiality in relationships. The track, released in 2004 as part of their double album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below”, uses clever wordplay and metaphors to critique a certain type of woman who values material wealth and status over genuine connection.
The central character in the song, Caroline, represents women who are physically attractive but emotionally unavailable or shallow. The lyrics suggest that Caroline only dates men of higher economic status, such as “a baller or singer”, implying that she sees herself as superior to those in her own socioeconomic class. This behavior frustrates the narrator, who feels that Caroline’s attitude is unwarranted and hypocritical.
The iconic chorus, “Roses really smell like boo-boo-ooh”, is a clever play on words. While roses are typically associated with beauty and pleasant scents, the song subverts this expectation to make a point about appearances being deceiving. Just as roses might not smell as sweet as one expects up close, Caroline’s attractive exterior masks a less appealing personality.
The song’s message goes beyond just criticizing one individual. It serves as a broader commentary on the dangers of judging people solely based on their looks or social status. OutKast challenges listeners to look beyond surface-level attractions and consider the true nature of a person’s character. While the song’s approach may seem harsh, it ultimately encourages a more thoughtful and genuine approach to relationships, valuing substance over style.
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