George Jones & Alan Jackson “A Good Year For The Roses”

About the song

“A Good Year For The Roses” is a song that stands as a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of love and loss. Originally released by George Jones in 1970, the song’s enduring appeal led to a notable duet version featuring Alan Jackson, bringing a fresh perspective while honoring the song’s classic country roots.

The song’s lyrics, penned by Jerry Chesnut, paint a vivid picture of a relationship’s demise, using the metaphor of a “good year for the roses” to symbolize a time when love was in full bloom. However, the song’s melancholic tone underscores the inevitable fading of that bloom, leaving behind a sense of regret and resignation.

George Jones, known for his unparalleled vocal delivery, imbues the song with a raw emotional honesty that resonates deeply with listeners. His voice, weathered and full of life experience, conveys the pain of heartbreak with a sincerity that is both moving and relatable. Alan Jackson, a staunch traditionalist, complements Jones’s performance with his own distinctive vocal style, adding a contemporary touch while remaining faithful to the song’s classic country sound.

The duet version of “A Good Year For The Roses” serves as a testament to the enduring power of country music’s storytelling tradition. The song’s narrative, simple yet profound, speaks to the universal experience of love and loss, making it relatable to listeners across generations.

The arrangement, characterized by its traditional country instrumentation, provides a fitting backdrop for the song’s emotional weight. The steel guitar’s mournful tones and the gentle rhythm section create a sense of intimacy and reflection, allowing the vocals to take center stage.

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Lyrics

I can hardly bear the sight of lipstick
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