"Monarchy of Roses" is a song from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 2011 album I'm with You and the album's second single. The single is the follow-up to the number one hit, "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie". The single was released to radio and for download in the UK on October 7, 2011 and to radio in the United States on October 25, 2011.
In a September 17, 2011 interview on BBC Radio 2 with Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith, the show's host, Justin Lee Collins broke the news that "Monarchy of Roses" would be the second single from the album and would be released on November 14, 2011. Neither Kiedis or Smith were even aware what song would be the next single and both seemed surprised during the interview. Despite the same date being also listed on the back of the promo single, the song was released weeks earlier to radio however the music video was, in fact, released on this date.
On October 4, 2011, the band began filming a music video for Monarchy of Roses. Drummer Chad Smith posted a photo of his drums in front of a green screen confirming that filming was underway.
The crimson tide is flowing through your fingers as you sleep
The promise of a clean regime are promises we keep.
Do you like it rough I ask and are you on to task?
The calicoes of pettibon where cultures come to clash
[Chorus:]
Several of my best friends wear, the colours of the crown
And mary wants to fill it up, and sherry wants to tear it all back down, girl
The saviour of your light
The monarchy of roses
The monarchy of roses tonight
The cloth between my former queen, her legendary stare
The holy tears that I am in, the lovely cross to bear
[Chorus:]
Several of my best friends know, the secrets of this town
And mary wants to raise it up, and sherry wants to spit it all around, girl
The sailors of the night
The monarchy of roses
The monarchy of roses tonight
[Chorus:]
Several of my best friends wear, the colours of the crown
And mary wants to fill it up, and sherry wants to tear it all back down, girl
The saviour of your light
The monarchy of roses
The monarchy of roses
Hey yeah
We all want the rose you know
I said
Hey yeah
Show us love before you go
Say I will, and then I'll say I want to
The story of love that I will never taunt you
Hey yeah
We all want the rose you know
I said
Hey yeah
Show us love before you go
Say I will, and then I'll say I want to
The story of love that I will always want you