Last of the English Roses Lyrics

Lyric discussion by TheWagstaff 

Cover art for Last of the English Roses lyrics by Peter Doherty

The obvious and mainstream interpretation is that it is about a female crush.

However, consider the fact that it could be about a male:

  • Auntie Arthurs trousers, implies confusion
  • The gay kiss at the end of the official video speaks also in volume
  • The subject person of the song "She almost spilled her lager / Toasting girls of great beauty" It does state she, but this can be argued as a feminisation of the individual
  • Would an "English Rose" be likely to drink a pint? Shows a degree of ambiguity.
  • "Coming out, coming alive", said faintly, as if to hide this being said. A moment of contemplation?
  • The French at the end of the song is from "Our Lady of the Flowers" (Jean Genet, 1943). Written from prison, it follows Divine, the protagonist, who is a drag queen. There are large sections of homosexuality in the story.

Just a thought, one of controversy, but one backed up with a valid argument.

Song Meaning