Download Instrumental    I very much like the sound of a French horn, but one does not belong in this song.  I put it in anyway. My wife sailed through college on a French horn scholarship, so she’s kinda partial to the instrument too.  In this arrangement, the horn is subtle, so you’ll have to listen closely. French horn works when the piece is mournful and needs to build – that’s why it’s there.  Oh, and I put a harp track in there which also doesn’t  belong.  Sue me.  Everything doesn’t have to be exactly like the original – does it?

“The Rose” is instantly recognizable by the beginning piano lick.  It’s so simple and eloquent,  which translates to perfect for this sad masterpiece.  It’s a C chord without the “E” – just the first and fifth tones.  You can’t get more basic than that, and anyone can play it – even me.  ‘Course, it’s gets a little fancier as it goes along but your three-year-old can start it off.  This song builds like nobody’s business and is the ultimate showstopper.  Even if you’re playing a honky-tonk, those first notes will get everybody’s attention.  Use these backing tracks and sing your soul out, baby.

I don’t particularly care for Bette Midler – she’s a bit too brassy and ballsy and Broadway-like for my taste.  But she nailed this one.   She’d probably be fun to go out and have a few drinks with though – if you like ballsy, that is (I’m not even sure what that means).  Bet she’d hate my French horn track.