A Good Year for the Roses
A Bittersweet Symphony: Unraveling the Heartache in 'A Good Year for the Roses'
Lyrics
I can hardly bear the sight of lipstick
I find it difficult to bear seeing traces of lipstick.
On the cigarettes there in the ashtray
Cigarettes in the ashtray have lipstick marks, indicating recent use.
Lyin' cold the way you left them
The cigarettes are left cold, untouched, just as you left them.
But at least your lips caressed them while you packed
Despite the coldness, your lips caressed the cigarettes during packing.
And a lip print on a half-filled cup of coffee that you poured and didn't drink
A lip print is on a cup of coffee you poured but didn't drink.
But at least you thought you wanted it, that's so much more than I can say for me
You thought you wanted the coffee, unlike my own lack of desire.
It's been a good year for the roses
The singer reflects on a positive year for the roses metaphorically.
Many blooms still linger there
Despite difficulties, many positive things (blooms) still exist.
The lawn could stand another mowin'
The lawn needs attention, but the singer is indifferent to it.
Funny, I don't even care
The singer doesn't care about mundane things after your departure.
When you turned and walked away
When you walked away, the singer experienced heartbreak.
And as the door behind you closes
The closing door symbolizes the end of the relationship.
The only thing I know to say
The singer struggles to find words in response to your departure.
It's been a good year for the roses
Reiterating that it has been a positive year for the roses.
After three full years of marriage
Reflecting on three years of marriage and changes.
It's the first time that you haven't made the bed
Notable absence: you haven't made the bed, indicating emotional distance.
I guess the reason we're not talkin', there's so little left to say we haven't said
Communication breakdown due to exhaustion of topics.
While a million thoughts go runnin' through my mind, I find I haven't spoke a word
Many unspoken thoughts as the relationship deteriorates.
And from the bedroom those familiar sounds of our one baby's cryin' goes unheard
Child's cry unheard, emphasizing emotional neglect.
But what a good year for the roses
Repeating the metaphor of a positive year for the roses.
Many blooms still linger there
Despite challenges, positive aspects (blooms) persist.
The lawn could stand another mowin'
The lawn needing attention parallels the neglected relationship.
Funny, I don't even care
Indifference persists after your departure.
And when you turned and walked away
Recalling the pain when you turned away.
As the door behind you closes
Symbolic closing of the door, marking the end.
The only thing I know to say
Struggling to find words as you leave.
It's been a good year for the roses
Reaffirming the metaphor of a positive year for the roses despite personal struggles.
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