The Best Of Michael Franks: A Backward Glance

Hydranism

Paris III

This is based on the German version Sleeping Beauty, Dornröschen or Little Briar Rose. This reverses the main part of the story, so she essentially saves the Prince.

LYRICS
(c)2025 Ggreg Snyder

[Verse 1]
She lay in the tower, the briars grew tall,
A kingdom enchanted, asleep through it all.
A hundred years waiting, her fate was composed,
The name on their lips was Little Briar Rose.

[Chorus]
But the kiss was not for her awakening,
It was mine, it was mine, the heart inside me breaking.
Cold as stone, I’d never known what love could be—
Little Briar Rose, you awakened me.

[Verse 2]
I thought I was mighty, a prince made of steel,
No sorrow could touch me, no kindness to feel.
I kissed her in duty, or so I supposed,
But she opened my heart—sweet Briar Rose.

[Chorus]
And the kiss was not for her awakening,
It was mine, it was mine, the heart inside me breaking.
Cold as stone, I’d never known what love could be—
Little Briar Rose, you awakened me.

[Bridge]
The thorns have all melted, the kingdom can sing,
But I found the treasure no crown could bring.
It wasn’t her beauty, it wasn’t her hand,
It was learning the joy of helping to stand. 

[Verse 3]
Now I walk in sunlight I never have known,
Her laughter beside me, it softens the throne.
For the gift that she gave me will ever be shown,
That a heart is worth more than a crown of stone.

[Chorus]
The kiss was never for her awakening,
It was mine, it was mine, the heart inside me breaking.
Cold as stone, I’d never known what love could be—
Little Briar Rose, you awakened me.

[Outro]
Little Briar Rose… you awakened me.

Popsicle Toes

Michael Franks

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