George Jones: A Good Year for the Roses

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My friendship with George Jones scans 3 or 4 decades and involves several recordings of my songs. From the first time he came to my office on Music Row and became familiar with my work, I don't think he hardly ever recorded without checking to see what I had written.

On one occasion in 1971, he called me from his suite at the Ramada and asked me if I would bring him a HIT.

I went over and played him this song. He smiled and said that's what I'm looking for. It never ceases to amaze me how great artists can just simply smell a hit song.

A few days later I had the privilege of attending his session at Columbia B Studios, and I felt a magic in the air as my friend, Bob Moore produced this number 1 hit Record !

I can hardly bear the sight of lipstick

On the cigarettes there in the ash tray

Lying cold the way you left 'em

But at least your lips caressed 'em 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

And that's so much more than I can say for me

Chorus:

It's been a good year for the roses

Many blooms still linger there

The lawn could stand another mowing

Funny, I don't even care

When you turn to walk away

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 talking

There's so little left to say we haven't said 

While a million thoughts go racing

Through my mind, I find I haven't spoke a word

And from the bedroom the familiar sound

Of our one baby's cryin' goes unheard

Repeat Chorus

But what a good year for the roses ...

Words and Music by Jerry Chesnut