Overall, there have been 29 single releases throughout the years with 26 of them charting in the top 20 or better. Eight of those 26 have reached the coveted No.1 spot on the national country charts.
His first release, “Back Side of thirty” went nowhere fast. Three more singles also met with a minimum success, although they all charted. But in March of 1978, the label released “Rose Colored Glasses,” a song Conlee wrote, which became a huge hit as well as his signature song. In January of 1979, the label re-released “Back Side of Thirty” which went on to become a No. 1 record, and the hits continued to roll. The John Conlee hit list includes songs such as “Lady Lay Down,” “Before My Time,” “Friday Night Blues,” “Miss Emily’s Picture,” “Busted,” “I Don’t Remember Loving You,” “Common Man,” “I’m Only In It For The Love,” “In My Eyes,” “As Long As I’m Rocking With You,” “Years After You,” “Domestic Life,” “Mama’s Rockin Chair,” “Hit the Ground Runnin,” and “Fellow Travelers.” All of Conlee’s hits have that unmistakable common thread – that unique voice. Conlee has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1981.
Rose Colored Glasses
John Conlee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you've proved so many times that it ain't true
And I can't find one good reason for staying
Maybe by leaving would be the best for you
But these rose colored glasses
That I'm looking through
Show only the beauty
And they let me hold on to the good times, good lines
The ones I used to hear when I held you
And they keep me from feeling so cheated, defeated
When reflections in your eyes show me a fool
These rose colored glasses
That I'm looking through
Show only the beauty
'Cause they hide all the truth
So I just keep on hopin', believing
That maybe by counting the many times, I've tried
You'll believe me when I say, "I love you"
And I'll lay these rose colored glasses aside
These rose colored glasses
That I'm looking through
Show only the beauty
'Cause they hide all the truth
The song "Rose Colored Glasses" by John Conlee is a poignant ballad about the disillusionment of a love that has turned out to be untrue. The singer expresses confusion over why he continues to believe that his partner needs him when it has been proven many times that this is not the case. Despite not having any good reason to stay, he is unable to let go of the good times and the memories of when his partner used to say all the right things. He admits to looking at the relationship through rose-colored glasses, which tends to hide the truth and only show the beauty. These glasses allow him to hold on to what he has lost and keep him from feeling defeated and cheated.
The singer continues to hope and believe even after being proved wrong many times in the past. He wants his partner to believe his words of love and lay aside the rose-colored glasses so that they can work towards rebuilding their relationship. The song is a painful reminder that sometimes we hold on to things that are not good for us and choose to ignore the reality of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know why I keep on believing you need me
Despite being let down numerous times, I still have faith that you require my presence.
When you've proved so many times that it ain't true
I have been shown time and time again that my faith in you is misplaced.
And I can't find one good reason for staying
I am struggling to come up with any justification for continuing to be with you.
Maybe by leaving would be the best for you
Perhaps it would be better for you if I were to make the decision to leave.
But these rose colored glasses
My perspective is distorted due to these rose colored glasses.
That I'm looking through
The lenses through which I am viewing our relationship.
Show only the beauty
These glasses only allow me to see the pleasing aspects of our partnership.
'Cause they hide all the truth
All the negative aspects of our connection are obscured by these glasses.
And they let me hold on to the good times, good lines
These glasses permit me to cling to the good memories and sweet words of the past.
The ones I used to hear when I held you
I recall hearing these lines when we used to embrace.
And they keep me from feeling so cheated, defeated
The glasses prevent me from feeling as if I have been wronged or conquered.
When reflections in your eyes show me a fool
Upon looking into your eyes, I realize how foolish I have been.
So I just keep on hopin', believing
I refuse to give up hope and continue to have faith.
That maybe by counting the many times, I've tried
By recalling the efforts I have made in the past.
You'll believe me when I say, "I love you"
Perhaps you will finally accept that I love you.
And I'll lay these rose colored glasses aside
Once I finally come to terms with our relationship, I will relinquish these glasses.
These rose colored glasses
The perspective through which I have been viewing our partnership.
That I'm looking through
The lenses through which I have been filtering my perception of our relationship.
Show only the beauty
These glasses only permit me to witness the lovely aspects of our connection.
'Cause they hide all the truth
These glasses obscure all the negative aspects of our partnership.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George F. Baber, John W Conlee
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeddkeech259
Country music isn’t this beautiful heartfelt stuff anymore
@TheThomasmoon
I'm glad I lived in this era of country music .
@lisawalker8014
One of the absolute greatest country songs of all time. If this one doesn't make you cry, you're probably already dead. Every word and note is perfect and he tears your heart out and Stomps it flat on the floor and makes you like it. There is not a single note there that shouldn't be there. This one is worthy of the hillbilly Shakespeare in every way.
@kennyhall2118
Hillbilly Shakespeare. Good one.
@Fredjohnson2920
Hello ✋ Lisa
@Anothercoverlover62
Suesue and I had too drive to LR Wednesday for a drs appointment
Two hours and we listened to this song several times
Sue had no idea it was a sad song so of course I had to download and send her the lyrics
I wish I hadn’t because it ruined the song for her!
Stupid Jeff!!
@mgxbigred1
So many memories. Feels good to be alive
@Anothercoverlover62
It does doesn’t it!!
@jacquelinewilliams1197
I met my father for the first time when I was 11 years old. I spent my 12th birthday with him, and it was my first and last birthday I had the opportunity to spend with him. This song played at least 5-10 times a night in his house, all the while as he danced with his wife. This song speaks volumes, and it was my dad's favorite. For me, it's one of the best memories I have of my dad. He died when he was 39 years old. I am now 43 and I wish he was still here.
@prestonnelson974
U had me crying