Petals
Hole · Celebrity Skin [1999]
of the tree
sugar, honey, here she comes
She's going to fall on me
innocence was our fire
we told the truth
I miss the sweet boys in the
Summer of their youth
CHORUS (x2)
Tear the petals off of you
And make you tell the truth
Tear the petals off of you
They will make you so, so cynical
the fire burns the flesh;
destroys the best that made our souls
She's the grace of this world
She's too pure
For the likes of this world
this world is a whore
CHORUS (x2)
oh, it's all mine
yeah, hey, it's all mine
I never knew what I could be
oh the darling buds of May
they fall with no sound
they carry you down
they carry you down
oooooh
ooooh ooh oooooh
All the lilies bloomed and blossomed
Wilted and they're shivering
I can't stop their withering
Oh, this world is a war
CHORUS (x3)
Petals - Hole
Released on the 1999 album Celebrity Skin, "Petals" stands as a defining track in Hole's discography, showcasing Courtney Love's evolution from punk aggression to a more polished, atmospheric sound. The song features a haunting vocal performance layered over a driving rhythm that blends alternative rock with electronic textures, reflecting the album's themes of fame and vulnerability. As a key component of Hole's late-career work, the recording captures the band's transition into a more mature sonic landscape while maintaining their signature emotional intensity. Its inclusion in the catalogue highlights the band's ability to adapt their style without losing their core identity, making it a significant song in the history of 90s alternative music.