Roses in the Hospital

Content

At the end of the song James Dean Bradfield can also be heard singing the line "Rudi gonna fail", a reference to "Rudie Can't Fail", a song by The Clash from their seminal album London Calling. The Manics have cited The Clash as one of the key influences on their sound.

Release

"Roses in the Hospital" was released in September 1993 by record label Epic Records as the third single from the band's second album, Gold Against the Soul. Reaching number 15 in the UK charts, it would prove to be the highest charting single from any of the group's first three albums (their cover of "Suicide Is Painless (Theme from M*A*S*H)" had reached number 7 the previous year, but it was not featured on any album). Sales of the single were aided by the band's appearance supporting Bon Jovi at the Milton Keynes Bowl on 18 August 1993.

The line "we don't want your fucking love" was excised from the radio edit of the song, being replaced by a reiteration of the title. The song's closing refrain of "Forever, ever delayed" would eventually give rise to the title for the band's greatest hits compilation (Forever Delayed), an album on which "Roses in the Hospital" itself would not make an appearance.

Track listing

1. "Roses in the Hospital" (7" version) – 4:15
2. "Us Against You" – 3:19
3. "Donkeys" – 3:10
4. "Wrote for Luck" (Happy Mondays cover) – 2:42

1. "Roses in the Hospital (O G Psychovocal Mix)" (remixed by Ashley Beedle)
2. "Roses in the Hospital (O G Psychomental Mix)" (remixed by Ashley Beedle)
3. "Roses in the Hospital (51 Funk Salute Mix)" (remixed by Ashley Beedle)
4. "Roses in the Hospital (Filet-o-Gang Mix)" (remixed by Charlie Smith and John Davis)
5. "Roses in the Hospital (ECG Mix)" (remixed by Charlie Smith and John Davis)
6. "Roses in the Hospital (Album Version)"

1. "Roses in the Hospital" (7" version)
2. "Us Against You"
3. "Donkeys"