Introduction:
“A Good Year for the Roses” is a poignant country ballad originally recorded by George Jones in 1970. Written by Jerry Chestnut, the song reflects themes of heartbreak and longing, depicting a man whose emotional turmoil is symbolized by the roses in his garden, which, like his relationship, are withering away. The song’s melancholy tone and heartfelt lyrics showcase Jones’s ability to convey deep sorrow, making it one of his most beloved tracks. Released as a single, “A Good Year for the Roses” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and became a classic in Jones’s extensive catalog of hits.
In 1999, Alan Jackson, known for his blend of traditional and contemporary country, teamed up with George Jones to record a duet version of the song. This collaboration introduced the ballad to a new generation of listeners while maintaining the emotional depth of the original. Jackson’s smooth, baritone voice complements Jones’s iconic tenor, creating a harmony that enhances the song’s somber mood. The duet was released as part of Jackson’s Under the Influence album, an album dedicated to his musical influences, and it was met with critical acclaim. The pairing of the two country legends earned the song a new level of recognition, reinforcing both their legacies within the genre.
The 1999 duet version of “A Good Year for the Roses” became a hit on country radio, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The emotional depth of the lyrics, combined with the harmonies of two country giants, solidified the song’s place as a timeless classic. Both versions remain cherished by fans of classic country music, standing as a testament to the power of heartfelt storytelling and vocal delivery in country music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“A Good Year For The Roses”
On the cigarettes there in the ashtray
Lyin’ cold the way you left them
At least your lips caressed them
While you packed
And a lip print on a half filled cup of coffee
That you poured and didn’t drink
But at least you thought you wanted it
That’s so much more than I can say for me
But what a good year for the roses
Many blooms still linger there
The lawn could stand another mowin’
It’s funny, I don’t even care
And when you turned and walked away
And as the door behind you closes
The only thing I know to say
It’s been a good year for the roses
After three full years of marriage
It’s the first time that you
Haven’t made the bed
I guess the reason we’re not talkin’
There’s so little left to say
We haven’t said
While a million thoughts
Go runnin’ through my mind
I find I haven’t spoke a word
And from the bedroom those familiar sounds of our one baby’s cryin’
Goes unheard
But what a good year for the roses
Many blooms still linger there
The lawn could stand another mowin’
It’s funny, I don’t even care
And when you turned and walked away
And as the door behind you closes
The only thing I know to say
It’s been a good year for the roses