Bootleg Betty
Trilogy Of The Rose Songs From Midler’s Divine Madness
By Mister D
May 9, 2025
I’m referring to a sequence in Divine Madness (1980) where Bette Midler performs songs tied to her debut film, The Rose (1979). In the concert film, she does perform “The Rose,” “Fire Down Below,” and “Stay with Me,” which are all connected to her role as Mary Rose Foster. While not explicitly a formal “trilogy,” these songs are thematically linked to the emotional arc of her character in The Rose.
- The Rose: The poignant ballad, written by Amanda McBroom, is the emotional centerpiece.
- Fire Down Below: A high-energy rock number, showcasing her character’s wild side (written by Bob Seger).
- Stay with Me: A raw, desperate plea, reflecting the character’s turmoil (originally by George Weiss and Jerry Ragovoy).
In Divine Madness, these are performed as part of her live set, not in a narrative sequence like in The Rose, but their inclusion nods to the film’s impact.
The Rose
Fire Down Below
Stay With Me
