Good Year For The Roses
Costello (Elvis) Lyrics


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I can hardly bear the sight of lipstick on the cigarettes there in the ashtray
Lyin' cold the way you left 'em, but at least your lips caressed them while
You packed
Or the 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

What a good year for the roses
Many blooms still linger there
The lawn could stand another mowin'
Funny I don't even care
As you turn to walk away
As the door behind you closes
The only thing I have 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 racin' through my mind, I find I haven't said a word
From the bedroom the familiar sound of a baby's cryin' goes unheard

What a good year for the roses
Many blooms still linger there
The lawn could stand another mowin'
Funny I don't even care
As you turn to walk away
As the door behind you closes




The only thing I have to say
It's been a good year for the roses

Overall Meaning

"Good Year For The Roses" by Elvis Costello is a poignant and melancholic ballad that delves into the pain and aftermath of a failing relationship. The lyrics describe the singer's sorrowful observations of his partner's abandoned belongings - the lipstick-stained cigarettes and the lip-print on the untouched cup of coffee, symbolizing the fading intimacy and affection in their relationship. The lyrics also touch upon the absence of care and communication between the couple, as indicated by the untidy bed and their inability to express their thoughts and feelings to each other. The song captures the despair and resignation of a marriage that has reached its breaking point.


Despite the heartbreak and loneliness, the chorus reveals a bittersweet twist. The singer reflects on how the roses in the garden are still blooming, signifying that life and beauty continue even in the midst of pain. The mention of the lawn needing to be mowed serves as a metaphor for the need to tend to and nurture their relationship. However, the singer realizes that he no longer cares about these mundane responsibilities, as he watches his partner walk away. The closing lines of the song express a sense of acceptance, acknowledging that despite the hardships, it has been a good year for the roses.


Overall, "Good Year For The Roses" is a heartrending exploration of the complexities of love, loss, and the lingering beauty in the midst of sorrow.


Line by Line Meaning

I can hardly bear the sight of lipstick on the cigarettes there in the ashtray
I can barely stand the sight of the remnants of your presence, the lipstick on the cigarettes, symbolizing the intimacy we once shared.


Lyin' cold the way you left 'em, but at least your lips caressed them while you packed
The abandoned cigarettes lie cold, reflecting the way you left me, but at least your lips showed affection to them while you prepared to leave.


Or the lip-print on a half-filled cup of coffee that you poured and didn't drink
Similarly, the lip-print on the cup of coffee you poured but didn't consume serves as a reminder of the unfulfilled desires and intentions in our relationship.


But at least you thought you wanted it, that's so much more than I can say for me
Though you had fleeting desire for the coffee, it surpasses the lack of passion and longing within me.


What a good year for the roses, many blooms still linger there
This year has been fruitful for the roses, symbolizing our relationship, as there are still many memories and emotions holding on.


The lawn could stand another mowin', funny I don't even care
Even though the lawn requires maintenance, it seems insignificant to me amidst the pain and indifference I feel.


As you turn to walk away, as the door behind you closes
As you hurry to depart and the door shuts, symbolizing the end of our connection, I prepare to express my final thoughts.


The only thing I have to say, it's been a good year for the roses
The only thing left for me to conclude is that despite our troubles, this year has allowed the memories of our relationship to flourish like roses.


After three full years of marriage, it's the first time that you haven't made the bed
After three years of marriage, it's the first time you've neglected the simple act of making the bed, symbolizing the neglect and detachment in our relationship.


I guess the reason we're not talkin', there's so little left to say we haven't said
The reason for our lack of communication is that we have exhausted all possible conversations and expressions, leaving us with very little left unsaid.


While a million thoughts go racin' through my mind, I find I haven't said a word
Although my mind is flooded with countless thoughts, I realize I have failed to verbalize any of them, indicating a lack of emotional connection between us.


From the bedroom the familiar sound of a baby's cryin' goes unheard
In the midst of our estrangement, the familiar sound of a crying baby from the bedroom is left unnoticed, illustrating how our focus has shifted away from the once-shared responsibilities and love.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JERRY CHESNUT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@steffanhoffmann8937

Cheers Tim. I saw him live in Cardiff Wales twice. Around or about that time.
I couldn't get tickets in London. Simple trip down the M4 mway from Kensington and Chelsea.
Don't live in London anymore though.
I'm in Alanya Turkey and a great Med Sea climate. Recommended by my mate from Sydney, Sammie.
I left after BREXIT vote. Could sort of see a bleak future.
Haven't regretted it on Sammie's advice.
Rent for mod apt overlooking the Med Sea is 💶 300 a month. (That's how it has to be paid)
Last electric bill for May was $20 USD; and water bill for $6. No gas, it's never cold; hardly rains.
Ciggies here are $2 USD for twenty. Don't smoke but it's a good yardstick.
Everything is fresh in street markets and even marts are well developed and cheap.
Lamb here I paid $10 USD for 1.5kg. Sammie says way cheaper than Oz.
Gets 324 🌞 days annually. Yesterdays temp was 33c hasn't rained since March 10.
After all those lockdown agonies in Oz?
Sammie's had enough and is moving here in August.
Fair dinkum.



All comments from YouTube:

@Einstein852

I'm listening in 2024. One of his best ❤

@okrajoe

Still a great sound for a new year!

@noleenpowseys8272

Who’s listening to and loving this in 2022!! Fabulous song💕

@TheAndyollerenshaw

Awesome song by an awesome performer.

@ansjansen223

Me!
It brings back memories ; love the song

@amandajames5068

Me

@siobhankavanagh5759

I am pet, xx

@siobhankavanagh5759

Siobhán kavanagh, x

52 More Replies...

@jillfoley6389

What a beautiful recording by the adorable Elvis Costello. Do hope he is in good health now and happy. Now 78 and I have recovered from ovarian cancer in 2010 so grateful to be here thanks to the wonderful Brighton NHS and Peter the wonderful handsome consultant who made the whole thing bearable. Looking forward to seeing my lovely three grandchildren when the lockdown is eased - I will wait awhile to return to normal and am thinking all the time of the NHS workers slaving away no way will I return to normal while they are working so hard on saving lives. So stay in Jillian - no pubs or trips in the country - but hope all those NHS workers know how much they are appreciated.

@georgedeathe4683

stay safe xxx

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