[ with Alan Jackson ]



I can hardly bare the sight of lipstick on the cigarettes there in the ashtray

Lyin' cold the way you left them at least your lips caressed them while you packed

And a lip print on a half-filled cup of coffeethat 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

But what a good year for the roses many blooms still linger there

The lawn could stand another mowin' it's funny I don't even care

And when you turned and walked away and as the door behind you closes

The only thing I know 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 running through my mind I find I haven't spoke a word

And from the bedroom those familiar sounds of our one baby's cryin' goes unheard

But what a good year for the roses...