My Sunday Song – “Yankee Rose” by David Lee Roth

For My Sunday Song #447, we are talking David Lee Roth’s “Yankee Rose”. The song was the debut single off his first full length album, ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’. ‘Yankee Rose’ was released on June 18, 1986 and went to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. The song was a statement piece for David as this was his first album since his parting ways with Van Halen. And I will admit, between ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’ and Van Halen’s first album, ‘5150’, with their new singer, Sammy Hagar, I like this album and song the best.

The song was written by David Lee Roth and his shiny new guitarist, Steve Vai. If there is anyone that can compete with Eddie Van Halen on creativity, it might be Steve. The song is about the Statue of Liberty as there are numerous references to her and America in general. The Statue was in the public eye back in 1986 as she was getting a major renovation for her 100th anniversary of her standing and welcoming the world. There are a lot of great lines celebrating America such as national anthem, apple pie, sea to shining sea, firecrackin’ on the fourth of July and many others. A very, fun and patriotic song.

Musically, it is simply stellar. The drum beat that opens and then the conversation between David and Steve Vai’s guitar. The guitar would speak, literally, and Dave would reply back. Steve Vai could make the guitar do whatever he wanted. His playing through out is inspirational. The quick riffs, the killer solo all make this song heads and shoulders better than most out there at the time. David was the same old cocky self. He did his usual speak/sing style of lyric delivery and you realize that his Van Halen was the best…arguments can begin below in the comment section. The song is a pure 80’s rocker and just slays. Now, the rest of the band was pretty killer too as you had Billy Sheehan on bass and damn he slaps that baby hard. On drums is Gregg Bissonette and he lays down a great beat and keeps the song pounding forward. All together, this was on unstoppable force…for at least one album anyways.

Give the song a listen and let me know what you think. Do you remember this one from back in the day? Did you like the new David solo album more than the new Van Halen with ‘5150’? They are both so different, you can like them both. However, I listen to Dave’s more over the years. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a great weekend!

“Yankee Rose”

What?
Well, let me roll up on to the sidewalk and take a look, yes
Whoa! She’s beautiful!
I’m talking about a Yankee Rose
Ha ha ha ha ha
And she looks wild, wild, wild, wild!

Are you ready for the new sensation?
Well, here’s the shot heard ’round the world
All you back room boys salute when her flag unfurls
Well, guess who’s back in circulation
Now, I don’t know what you may have heard
But what I need right now’s the original good time girl

She’s a vision from coast to coast (coast to coast)
Sea to shining sea (sea to shining sea)
Hey sister, you’re the perfect host (care to toast)

Show me your bright lights
And your city lights, all right
I’m talkin’ ’bout the Yankee Rose, yeah
Your bright lights
And your city lights, all right
I’m talkin’ ’bout it

When she walks, watch, the sparks will fly
Firecrackin’ on the fourth of July
No sad songs tonight, somethin’s in the air
Yeah, the feeling getcha, wow

A real state of independence
So pretty when her rockets glare
Still prove it any night that her flag’s still there

She’s a vision from coast to coast (coast to coast)
Sea to shining sea (sea to shining sea)
Hey sister, you’re the perfect host (make a toast)

Show me your bright lights and your
City lights, all right
I’m talkin’ ’bout the Yankee Rose, yeah
Bright lights in your
City lights, all right
I’m in love with the Yankee Rose

Ah, she’s beautiful, alright
Mmm, nothin’ like her in the whole world
Yeah

She’s right on time
I’m on the case
Pick up the phone
No time to waste
She got the beat
And here’s a little bit comin’ your way, wow

Aah, raise ’em up there, let’s see who salutes, baby
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Little bit, little bit, little bit higher
Here’s the national anthem, here
I wanna get a little bit a’ apple pie, man

Bright lights, city lights
Bright lights, city lights
Bright lights, city lights

Writer(s): David Lee Roth, Steve S. Vai