Rose Garden
Lynn Anderson; Arranged by Cam Mullins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
When you take you gotta give so live and let live
Or let go oh-whoa-whoa-whoa
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
I could promise you things like big diamond rings
But you don't find roses growin' on stalks of clover
So you better think it over
Well if sweet-talkin' you could make it come true
I would give you the world right now on a silver platter
But what would it matter
So smile for a while and let's be jolly
Love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
(Ah-ah-ah-ah)
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
I could sing you a tune and promise you the moon
But if that's what it takes to hold you
I'd just as soon let you go
But there's one thing I want you to know
You better look before you leap, still waters run deep
And there won't always be someone there to pull you out
And you know what I'm talkin' about
So smile for a while and let's be jolly
Love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
I beg your pardon
‘Rose Garden’ by Lynn Anderson is an up-tempo country-pop song that came out at the height of her career in 1970. The song is a warning against the illusion of a perfect relationship, and how even when everything seems perfect, there will always be some obstacles to navigate. The title itself refers to the popular expression "life is not just a bed of roses," which tries to explain that life can be tough at times, and things won’t always be as easy as we want them to be. Anderson begins by apologizing for not being able to provide a perfect life, and admits that though things may seem rosy and full of sunshine, there is always a bit of rain that comes along.
The song then moves into a reflection of “sweet talkers” who promise anything and everything to keep someone around. Anderson counters that notion, saying that even if she could make everything come true, what would it matter in the end? And so, the song concludes with Anderson’s call to enjoy the good times while they last because life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. She sings about the importance of being aware of the hidden depths in people, and that sometimes, people will need to make sacrifices and take risks if they want to come out on top of difficult situations. It is a message, that though simple and straightforward, holds value and wisdom that still resonates with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
I beg your pardon
I apologize for any misunderstandings
I never promised you a rose garden
I never guaranteed an easy, carefree life
Along with the sunshine
Good times are a part of life
There's gotta be a little rain some time
Hard times are also a part of life
When you take you gotta give so live and let live
To maintain a good relationship, there needs to be give and take
Or let go oh-whoa-whoa-whoa
If things aren't working out, it's better to let go
I could promise you things like big diamond rings
I could make empty promises of material possessions
But you don't find roses growin' on stalks of clover
True love isn't something that can be forced or fabricated
So you better think it over
Consider whether chasing materialistic promises is worth it
Well if sweet-talkin' you could make it come true
If I could make promises come true simply by speaking them
I would give you the world right now on a silver platter
I would give you everything you could ever want instantly
But what would it matter
Material possessions won't necessarily bring true happiness
So smile for a while and let's be jolly
Enjoy the good times while they last
Love shouldn't be so melancholy
Love should be a happy, positive experience
Come along and share the good times while we can
Let's enjoy the present moment and make happy memories
I could sing you a tune and promise you the moon
I could make extravagant promises and sweet talk
But if that's what it takes to hold you
If I have to resort to unrealistic promises to keep you
I'd just as soon let you go
I would rather let you go than be dishonest
But there's one thing I want you to know
However, I want you to understand
You better look before you leap, still waters run deep
Be cautious and don't rush into things, things may not be what they appear
And there won't always be someone there to pull you out
You may have to face challenges and obstacles alone
And you know what I'm talkin' about
You understand what I'm trying to say
So smile for a while and let's be jolly
Enjoy the good times while they last
Love shouldn't be so melancholy
Love should be a happy, positive experience
Come along and share the good times while we can
Let's enjoy the present moment and make happy memories
I beg your pardon
I apologize for any misunderstandings
I never promised you a rose garden
I never guaranteed an easy, carefree life
Along with the sunshine
Good times are a part of life
There's gotta be a little rain some time
Hard times are also a part of life
I beg your pardon
I apologize for any misunderstandings
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Joe South
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tamara Rodriguez
Love this song!
Athena Alice Majied
We Found Shleby Thorn
He will be judged by The Government
And Monstercat through Obama will defend The Hyperbowl!
Sincerely from Alpha to Alpha, Athena | DJ, TIGER M
Thomascow Mc Mullan
Cheers again friend & Thank you
Yoko Maria - Youtube Channel
nice video!