Roxette: "Fading Like a Flower"

A mellow piano rendition of Roxette's "Fading Like a Flower" softens the original's soaring rock ballad into a tender, reflective piece that emphasizes the song's emotional vulnerability. These lush piano sol arrangements highlight the aching melody and lyrics, giving the listener a more intimate experience of the song's themes of love and loss.

This post is part nine of the Mild & Mellow Sheet Music Series.

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About Roxette:

Roxette was a Swedish pop rock duo formed in 1986 by singer Marie Fredriksson and songwriter-guitarist Per Gessle. The pair achieved global success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with a string of chart-topping hits that combined catchy pop hooks, emotional ballads, and polished production. Their international breakthrough came with the 1989 single “The Look,” which unexpectedly soared to number one in the U.S., followed by other major hits like “Listen to Your Heart,” “It Must Have Been Love,” and “Joyride.” Roxette quickly became one of Sweden’s most successful musical exports, second only to ABBA, known for their signature blend of heartfelt vocals and radio-ready melodies.

Marie Fredriksson’s powerful voice and emotive delivery were central to Roxette’s appeal, bringing depth and sincerity to Gessle’s songwriting. Their ability to craft both energetic pop anthems and tender love songs allowed them to connect with a wide international audience. Even as musical trends shifted, Roxette maintained a loyal fanbase and continued releasing albums and touring well into the 2010s. After Fredriksson’s passing in 2019, the duo’s legacy has lived on through their timeless catalog, remembered not only for their commercial success but also for the emotional resonance and craft behind their music.

About “Fading Like a Flower”:

“Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)” is a 1991 hit by Swedish pop duo Roxette, known for its soaring melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Marie Fredriksson’s powerful vocal performance. The song captures the pain of love slipping away, using vivid imagery and a dramatic arrangement to convey the emotional toll of separation. With its blend of rock ballad intensity and pop accessibility, “Fading Like a Flower” became one of Roxette’s most beloved tracks, continuing their streak of international chart success in the early ’90s. The emotional depth and strong melodic structure highlight the duo’s signature sound, showcasing both Per Gessle’s songwriting and Fredriksson’s expressive delivery.

Although not part of the official soundtrack, “Fading Like a Flower” was featured in a memorable scene from the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman, adding emotional weight to a pivotal moment between the lead characters. Its inclusion in the film underscored the themes of longing and transformation that run throughout the story, resonating with audiences and reinforcing the song’s universal appeal. The pairing of Roxette’s music with Pretty Woman helped solidify the song’s place in pop culture and introduced it to a wider audience, contributing to the lasting legacy of both the film and the band.