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Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Performer
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Vocals
Steve Nieve
Steve Nieve
Piano
Bruce Thomas
Bruce Thomas
Bass Guitar
Pete Thomas
Pete Thomas
Drums
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Jerry Chesnut
Jerry Chesnut
Composer
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Billy Sherrill
Billy Sherrill
Producer
Ron "Snake" Reynolds
Ron "Snake" Reynolds
Engineer
Eddy Hudson
Eddy Hudson
Assistant Recording Engineer

Lyrics

I can hardly bear the sight of lipstick
On the cigarettes there in the ashtray
Lyin' cold the way you left them
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
(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 one baby's cryin' goes unheard
What a good year for the roses
(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
Written by: Jerry Chesnut
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