Bed Of Roses by Bon Jovi

Album: Keep The Faith (1992)

Charted: 13 10

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Songfacts®:

Jon Bon Jovi started writing this in a hotel room in Los Angeles. He had the hotel bring a piano that they used for weddings to his room.
This is a personal song that Jon feels exposes a lot of the problems he was experiencing at the time.
The first verse reflects what Jon was feeling when he was trying to write this. He was badly hung over from the night before, but had a piano in his hotel room and was determined to write something.
In the line, "While my mistress she calls me to stand in her spotlight again," the "mistress" is the music industry and the live stage. The "spotlight" is the media. He calls music his "mistress" to show that it's a thrill, but something that perhaps isn't going to do him any good.
Bon Jovi didn't play the original electric version from 2003 to 2008. The This Left Feels Right version was played on the Have A Nice Day tour and the first part of the Lost Highway tour. The original "Bed of Roses" made its comeback on May 20, 2008 in Abu Dhabi. >>
Suggestion credit:
Lee-Ann - Perth, Australia
As I dream about movies
They won't make of me when I'm dead

The above lyric was inspired by watching the movie The Doors, with Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison. Jon Bon Jovi explained to The Guardian: "That movie was great, and I left the movie really invigorated - we kicked up hell that night, driving the wrong way down one way streets... I woke up the next day thinking about the impact of it, and that line came from it."

Comments: 19

Klow from MdDoes anybody know a movie that this song was used in?
Pattie G. from Idahoto Chandler AZ-- Jon DID NOT say he cheated on Dorthea !!! He said he wasn't perfect. He has said many times he was faithful. He has said there are alit of beautiful women out there, and there is a lot of temptation. But he has never cheated because he respects his wife to much to do that. That would never want to loose her, over something like that. He has also said he would never of had the success he has without her. She keeps him in line. Also ,She spent alot of time on the road with him even with their kids. Yes, She was home too, But they make it a point to talk on the phone at least once a day if not more. As forever the song The mistress was not a real person. The mistress is the music business and being on the road while his love and his kids are at home. Jon is a Pisces and they usually cheat if their partner cheats first. I know I'm a Pisces and I know many of them too. Plus, I think Dorrhea would of left him if he did cheat even a one night stand. She is a Libera and for sure would of left if he did. There is no prenuptial Jon has said he wouldn't cheat cause she would take most of his money. And he loves money to much.
Josh from Tumwater There was a girl version cover
Jon admitted he was drunk
Anonymous from Chandler Az He said on evening with bon jovi mtv that he confessed when he wrote the song he also growing up in public and learning life lesson but he said that this song was is confession about him cheating on his wife. And he is very protected of this song very emotionally connected tonit
Siahara Shyne Carter from United States* My only favorite Version -,- >:D
Richard from Las Vegas, NvI was the helicopter pilot for all the shots for the "Bed of Roses". The band where such nice down to earth guys I still talk about it like it was yesterday. Been a fan ever since Thanks.
Robert from Los Angeles, Cathis is the first song on this site that i agree with everyones comments. i'm intrigued by some, but i dont disagree. jon is a great songwriter, no question. this song is so beautiful. i used to listen to it with my mom when i was younger, but i dont see her anymore, so for a long time i stopped listening to it. now i'm in a long distance relationship, and this song is exactly what i feel right now. and Jammie, i am listening to it over and over. bon jovi is so damn classy. peace, love, soul, rock n' roll.
Laura from Penrith, United KingdomI've never been able to find this out as actual fact, but it's known that Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi get along well (someone is a cousin to another I believe)

Anyway, Alice Cooper's song 'Bed of Nails' seems basically to be about rough, dirty sex. Bed of Roses has the line:

'For tonight I sleep on a bed of nails'

So the song to me sounds like it's about cheating on a far away love with some blonde who happens to be nearby. He seems remorseful about it, but the deed has still been done.

Just a theory of course.
Lee-ann from Perth, AustraliaThe original electric version of Bed of Roses was played on May 20, 2008 (the Abu Dhabi show) for the first time in 5 years. The acoustic arrangement that appears on This Left Feels Right album was played throughout the Have A Nice Day tour and the first few months of the Lost Highway tour.
Gabby from Cape Coral, FlJon is a finamonale song writer. this song can be taken in many ways. some people try to say its about his fame and the media. however i take it in as a more intimate song talking about a long-distant relationship. you see when he says "i want to be just as close as your holy ghost is." he is saying that he loves this women so much that he wants to be as close as possible to me describing this song as a song for the media would be insinsitive becuase if you really listen to the lyrics you can see he is talkind about the love of his life.
Paul from Lancashire Uk, EnglandThe Blonde who gave him nightmares, who he thinks is still in his bed is actually not a woman but his favourite " Vintage blonde stratocaster guitar" of the time. emphasising he was up all night with the guitar trying to write on it.
Benny from Melbourne, AustraliaYes Jon is one of the greatest rock vocalists of the 20th century. Beautiful song and I'm proud to say I can play every note for every instrument of this song exactly like they do... except I can't sing it lol :P
Paul from London, EnglandThis is classic Bon Jovi. Bed Of Roses is one most of the most beautiful songs ever written and has a chorus to die for.
Noli from Manila, Otherthis is very very classic and this song will be remembered for all generations...bon jovi's got one of the best vocals
Jammie from Deckerville, MiA great song! I could listen to it over and over!
Nicola from London, EnglandThis song is a classic song
Sam from Dublin, Irelandcan't get enough of this song...jon is an amazing artist
A.k. from Westchestertonfieldville, IaThis is the most ironic love song ever. He's "wooing" the one he loves by writing a song about his horrible hangover,the blonde in his bed, and the bartender he was tempted to sleep with. How romantic.
Julia from London, Englandjon wrote this to Dorothea- his wife

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