Rose Garden (Joe South song)

"Rose Garden" (sometimes stylized as "(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden") is a song written in 1967 by American singer-songwriter Joe South. It was first recorded by Billy Joe Royal on his 1967 studio album. Versions by South himself and Dobie Gray appeared shortly after the original. Gray's version became a minor hit in North America in 1969.

"I Never Promised You a Rose Garden"
Song by Billy Joe Royal
from the album Billy Joe Royal featuring Hush
ReleasedNovember 1967 (1967-11)
RecordedJuly 1967
Genre
Length2:25
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Joe South
Producer(s)Joe South

In 1970, Lynn Anderson recorded "Rose Garden" after hearing South's original version. However, Anderson's producer rejected the song's recording because he did not consider it to be a female tune. After much convincing, the song was eventually recorded and released as a single by Columbia Records. The song became a crossover hit after it reached both the American Billboard country and pop charts. "Rose Garden" also became a major hit worldwide, reaching the number one spot in multiple countries. Anderson's version sold thousands of copies in the United States and its corresponding album reached a similar sales status.

"Rose Garden" has since been recorded by artists of various styles and musical genres. Notable covers include those by k.d. Lang in 1985 and Martina McBride in 2005. Yet it is Anderson's version that has been considered a country music standard and signature country pop recording. In recent years, the song has appeared in various music publications.

Background, composition and early versions
"Rose Garden"
Song by Joe South
from the album Introspect
ReleasedDecember 1968 (1968-12)
Recorded1968
StudioPositive Record Production
Genre
Length2:50
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)Joe South
Producer(s)Joe South
"Rose Garden"
Single by Dobie Gray
B-side"Where's the Girl Gone"
ReleasedMay 1969 (1969-May)
Genre
Length2:57
LabelWhite Whale
Producer(s)
Dobie Gray singles chronology
"We the People"
(1968)		 "Rose Garden"
(1969)		 "Do You Really Have a Heart"
(1969)

According to South, he drew inspiration for "Rose Garden" from the confidence he obtained as a songwriter. In the years before the song's composition, South had collaborated with Bob Dylan and was inspired by his songwriting technique. "Before him, there was this idea that you could only use certain words or images in pop songs, but he started putting in words that you’d expect to just find in books and in poetry. He opened everything up," he recalled in 1994.[4] After working with Dylan, South's writing style shifted and his songs became more successful. His 1965 composition "Down in the Boondocks" became a hit for Billy Joe Royal, as did "Hush" for Deep Purple in 1968.[5][4]

Although South recorded his own version, Billy Joe Royal had cut "Rose Garden" first. The song first appeared on Royal's 1967 studio album Billy Joe Royal featuring Hush. The song and its corresponding album were recorded in July 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia. The album was later released in November 1967, but the song was not issued as a single.[6]

South's version was first released as an album track on his 1968 debut studio release, Introspect. It was cut at the Positive Record Production Studio in 1968. The session for the song was produced by South himself. The album was released on Capitol Records and appeared as the second track on the project.[7] Bruce Eder of Allmusic praised "Rose Garden" in his review of Introspect, commenting that South's version was "worth hearing".[2]

In 1969, American rhythm and blues artist Dobie Gray recorded "Rose Garden". Gray's version was the first to be released as a single to mainstream radio. "Rose Garden" was released on White Whale Records in 1969. The recording was a collaborative production effort among several producers including Brent Maher.[8] Gray's version reached low charting positions on the American and Canadian pop music charts following its release. In the United States, "Rose Garden" peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart.[9] In Canada, the single peaked at number 89 on the RPM Top Singles list.[10]

Dobie Gray version

7" vinyl single

[8]

  • "Rose Garden" – 2:57
  • "Where's the Girl Gone" – 2:15
Chart performance
Chart (1969) Peak
position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[10] 89
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[9] 19

Lynn Anderson version
"Rose Garden"
Single by Lynn Anderson
from the album Rose Garden
B-side"Nothing Between Us"
ReleasedOctober 1970 (1970-10)
RecordedAugust 1970
StudioColumbia Recording Studio
Genre
  • Country
  • Countrypolitan[11]
Length2:52
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Joe South
Producer(s)Glenn Sutton
Lynn Anderson singles chronology
"I'm Alright"
(1970)		 "Rose Garden"
(1970)		 "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels"
(1970)

Background and recording

In 1970, Lynn Anderson's exposure on the nationally-syndicated Lawrence Welk Show led to the major label, Columbia Records signing her to their country roster. She had previously recorded for an independent label and had several country hits there, including "If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away)" (1967).[12] After switching to Columbia, Anderson moved to Nashville, Tennessee to further elevate her country music career. Under Columbia, Anderson worked with her husband (and producer) Glenn Sutton.[13] Anderson's style shifted towards country pop once collaborating with Sutton and she began looking for songs that suited this style.[14] Her first country-pop hit released on the label was 1970's "Stay There, Till I Get There," which Sutton wrote and produced.[15]

The pair began looking for new country pop material following her first Columbia single success.[15] Anderson brought in Joe South's version of "Rose Garden" to record. However, Sutton originally refused to record it. "Glenn told me that I could not record the song because it was not a girl's song — that the song had some lines in it that a girl just would not sing! Like the line 'I could promise you things like big diamond rings' that a girl would not sing," Anderson recalled.[16] According to Sutton, after she continued to bring in the song, he decided to record it. "I had objected to it because it was a man's song and I didn't wanna do it, but she kept bringin' it in with her – she loved it," Sutton recounted.[15]

"Rose Garden" was cut in August 1970 at the Columbia Recording Studio, located in Nashville. Sutton produced the track.[17] Sutton recalled that a first version was recorded with a "straight, boring beat". However, when guitarist Ray Edenton reworked the introduction, it was re-recorded in 20 minutes. Strings were also added to the second recording after Billy Sherrill had offered his string musicians to Sutton. He agreed and had arranger Cam Mullins write the string section for the track.[15]

Release and reception

"Rose Garden" was not intended to be released as a single. The decision was changed after Sutton had met with Columbia Records president, Clive Davis.[16] Sutton recalled that Davis had been in Nashville attending a disc jockey convention. The pair were spending time during the convention while Sutton was mixing "Rose Garden." Davis heard the song and said to Sutton, "I'll talk to you in a little while, we got a meeting right now. That's her next single. Get that mixed. That's great, that's a smash."[18]

The song was officially released as a single in October 1970. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, spending five weeks at the top of the survey between 1970 and 1971.[19] "Rose Garden" also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100 where it became a major hit, peaking at number three in February 1971.[20] It also became a top ten hit on the Easy Listening Singles chart, reaching the number five position.[21] Internationally, "Rose Garden" became a major hit in 16 other countries.[13] In the United Kingdom for example, the single reached number three in 1971.[22] The song's popularity was also evident in sales. After selling 500,000 copies, "Rose Garden" was certified gold from the Recording Industry Association of America.[23] "Rose Garden" became Anderson's biggest hit and signature song in her career.[13][12][24]

Anderson's version has been reviewed positively since its release. David Cantwell and Bill Friskics-Warren included her 1970 recording in their 2003 book Heartaches by the Number: Country Music's 500 Greatest Singles, highlighting its arrangement. "The opening strings, lots of them, ominous an unforgettable, snap your head back like a slap in the face", Cantwell wrote, also noting "the most pinched, manic pedal-steel guitar you've ever heard," they commented.[25] For Allmusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised Anderson for "fine, sweet vocals" while calling the lyrics "appealing, albeit predictable" and the "I never promised you a rose garden" line from the chorus a cliché.[11] Markpos Papadatos of the Digital Journal called the record "a classic country song" after announcing its 45-year anniversary.[24]

Legacy

Since its release, Anderson's version of "Rose Garden" has been considered a country and crossover music standard. Mary Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann commented on the song's legacy in their book Finding Their Voice: The History of Women in Country Music. "Her 'Rose Garden' of 1970 ushered in a decade of 'crossover' country women whose music reached out to the broader pop marketplace and dramatically expanded country music's national notoriety," they said.[26] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic called it "a virtual standard during the '70s," due to it being covered by multiple artists in that decade.[11] The song was also included on Country Music Television's 2003 list of the "100 Greatest Songs in Country Music."[27] In 2019, Rolling Stone named "Rose Garden" in its list "20 Songs That Defined the Early Seventies," describing the song as "an optimistic anthem that also served as a splash of cold water to the face" during the Vietnam War.[28]

Anderson reflected on the song's legacy as well. "It was popular because it touched on emotions. It was perfectly timed. It was out just as we came out of the Vietnam years and a lot of people were trying to recover," she commented.[12]

7" vinyl single

[29]

  • "Rose Garden" – 2:52
  • "Nothing Between Us" – 2:49

Chart performance

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[55] Gold 500,000^

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone

Other versions

Notable versions of "Rose Garden" appeared by music artists of various genres. Johnny Mathis recorded the track for his 1971 studio album Love Story. Writer Joe Viglione praised the production of Mathis' cover. "As a pure pop tune, it works very well, a standout performance chock-full of backing vocalists and unique instrumentation. This could have been a hit for Mathis, as it goes beyond the usual formula of "let's put some sweet accompaniment behind the voice and let Johnny do his thing," he commented.[56] The same year, Loretta Lynn recorded her own version for her studio release, I Wanna Be Free.[57] In the United Kingdom, British pop artist Sandie Shaw released "Rose Garden" as a single.[58] Although released to radio stations, the song did not become a hit and failed to chart any major music publications.[59]

In 1972, American comedian and entertainer Carol Burnett released a version of "Rose Garden" on her studio album, Carol Burnett Featuring 'If I Could Write A Song'.[60] A decade later, Canadian synthpop group Kon Kan sampled Lynn Anderson's version of "Rose Garden" for their song "I Beg Your Pardon." The song became a major hit in several countries including the United States, where it reached the top 20 on the Hot 100.[61] Japanese composer Kyōhei Tsutsumi used the melody of the song as the basis for Saori Minami's "17-sai", which peaked at No. 2 on Oricon's singles chart in 1971. "17-sai" was then covered by Chisato Moritaka in 1989, reaching No. 8 on the same chart.[62]

k.d. lang version
"Rose Garden"
Single by k.d. lang
from the album Angel with a Lariat
B-side"High Time for a Detour"
Released1987 (1987)
StudioCTS Studios
Genre
Length3:19
LabelSire
Songwriter(s)Joe South
Producer(s)Dave Edmunds
K.d. lang singles chronology
"Turn Me Around"
(1987)		 "Rose Garden"
(1987)		 "Tune into My Wave"
(1987)

Among the song's notable covers was by Canadian artist k.d. lang who released "Rose Garden" as a single. lang's version was recorded at CTS Studios and was produced by Dave Edmunds. It first appeared on her studio album Angel with a Lariat, which was credited as "k.d. lang and the Reclines."[64] "Rose Garden" was released as the album's second single, with "Turn Me Around" being the album's first. The single version of "Rose Garden" did not credit her band, The Reclines.[19] The song became lang's first major hit as a music artist. It reached the top ten of the Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Songs chart, peaking at number seven.[65] It also made an entry on the RPM Country Songs chart, where it reached number 45.[66]

lang's version of "Rose Garden" received a mixed reception from critics. Mark Deming of Allmusic praised the song, calling her version one "that actually tops the original."[63] When reviewing Angel with a Lariat, Jack Hurst of the Chicago Tribune noted that the song's production (along with the album's other tracks) lacked a focus on lang's singing. "Producer Dave Edmunds has supervised the making of an excellent-sounding country-rock album from the musical point of view, but he unfortunately paid little attention to lang`s singing, often covering it up entirely."[67]

7" vinyl single

[68]

  • "Rose Garden" – 3:19
  • "High Time for a Detour" – 4:09

Chart performance
Chart (1987) Peak
position
Canada Adult Contemporary Songs (RPM)[65] 7
Canada Country Songs (RPM)[66] 45

Martina McBride version
"(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden"
Single by Martina McBride
from the album Timeless
ReleasedAugust 1, 2005 (2005-08-01)
Recorded2005
StudioBlackbird Studio
Genre
Length3:16
LabelRCA Nashville
Songwriter(s)Joe South
Producer(s)Martina McBride
Martina McBride singles chronology
"God's Will"
(2004)		 "(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden"
(2005)		 "I Still Miss Someone"
(2005)

In 2005, American country artist Martina McBride recorded a cover of "Rose Garden" for her album of classic country songs. The song was chosen as the lead single for the album and it was released on August 1, 2005.[19] The song was recorded at the Blackbird Studio, located in Nashville, Tennessee in 2005.[69] Released on RCA Nashville, the single's name was stylistically changed to "(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden."[70] McBride's version spent a total of 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and became a major hit by the end of the year. In December 2005, the song peaked at number 18 on the chart.[71] The single also charted at number 98 on the Hot 100 after spending only two weeks there.[72]

McBride's version received positive reviews by writers and music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic called the track a song that remains "a radio staple to this day." Along with the other tracks on Timeless, Erlewine noted that McBride had "range, power, and subtlety as a vocalist, as well as her skill as an interpreter."[69] Arden Lambert of Country Thang Daily also gave McBride's version a positive review. "Even if Anderson owns the songs, we can say that McBride did an amazing cover of it. She kept the original melody of it but added her own magic into the song. Martina McBride wonderfully sang the song that gave Lynn Anderson a boost in her career," Lambert commented.[73]

Digital download single

[70]

  • "(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden" – 3:16

Chart performance
Chart (2005) Peak
position
Brazil (ABPD)[74] 83
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[75] 18
US Billboard Hot 100[76] 98
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gollark: MANY topics are interconnected.

References

Footnotes
  1. "Billy Joe Royal featuring Hush: Billy Joe Royal". Allmusic. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  2. Eder, Bruce. "Introspect: Joe South: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  3. "Dobie Gray – "Rose Garden" (1969, Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  4. Hilburn, Robert (February 27, 1994). "GRAMMY TIME : His Rose Garden Was Full of Thorns : Many artists have peaked with Grammy glory, but none may have had the talent of Joe South—or as tragic a fall". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  5. "Singer-Songwriter Joe South Dead at 72". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  6. Royal, Billy Joe (November 1967). "Billy Joe Royal featuring Hush". Columbia Records.
  7. South, Joe (December 1968). "Introspect (Album Information)". Capitol Records.
  8. Gray, Dobie (1969). ""Rose Garden" (1969 single sleeve)". White Whale Records.
  9. Whitburn, Joel (October 1, 2005). Bubbling Under the Billboard Hot 100: 1959–2004:. Record Research. ISBN 0898201624.
  10. "Search results for "Dobie Gray" (RPM Top Singles)". RPM. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  11. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. ""Rose Garden": Lynn Anderson: Song Info". Allmusic. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  12. "This article is more than 4 years old Lynn Anderson, singer of Rose Garden, dies aged 67". The Guardian. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  13. Huey, Steve. "Lynn Anderson: Biography & History". Allmusic. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  14. Bufwack, Mary A. & Oermann, Robert K. 2036, p. 336.
  15. Kosser, Michael 2006, p. 135.
  16. Davis, Doug. "'Rose Garden' was right for singer Lynn Anderson". Texarkana Gazette. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  17. Anderson, Lynn (December 1970). "Rose Garden (Liner Notes & Album Information)". Columbia Records.
  18. Kosser, Michael 2006, p. 135-36.
  19. Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 0-89820-177-2.
  20. ""Rose Garden" chart history (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  21. ""Rose Garden" chart history (AC)". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  22. "Lynn Anderson: Full Official Chart History". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  23. "Gold & Platinum RIAA: Lynn Anderson". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  24. Papadatos, Markos. "Lynn Anderson's signature song 'Rose Garden' turns 45 today". Digital Journal. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  25. Cantwell, David; Friskics-Warren, Bill (2003). Heartaches by the Number: Country Music's 500 Greatest Singles. Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University Press/Country Music Foundation Press. p. 49. ISBN 0-8265-1424-3.
  26. Bufwack, Mary A. & Oermann, Robert K. 2036, p. 336-37.
  27. "CMT: 100 Greatest Songs of Country Music (2003)". Spotify. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  28. Harris, Keith; Gehr, Richard (August 28, 2019). "20 Songs That Defined the Early Seventies". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  29. "Lynn Anderson – "Rose Garden" (1970, Single)". Discogs. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  30. David Kent (1993). Australian Charts Book 1970—1992. Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. ISBN 978-0-646-11917-5.
  31. "Austriancharts.at – Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  32. "Ultratop.be – Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  33. "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 3738." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  34. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3760." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  35. "Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. July 24, 1971. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  36. "Offiziellecharts.de – Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden". GfK Entertainment Charts.
  37. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Rose Garden". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  38. "Dutchcharts.nl – Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  39. Flavour of New Zealand, 12 April 1971
  40. "Norwegiancharts.com – Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden". VG-lista.
  41. "SA Charts 1965 – March 1989". Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  42. "Swisscharts.com – Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden". Swiss Singles Chart.
  43. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  44. "Lynn Anderson Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  45. "Lynn Anderson Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  46. "Lynn Anderson Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
  47. Cash Box Top 100 Singles, February 6, 1973
  48. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (doc)|format= requires |url= (help). Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  49. "Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada". collectionscanada.gc.ca.
  50. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1971" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Hung Medien. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  51. Swiss Year-End Charts, 1971
  52. Musicoutfitters.com
  53. Billboard, December 25, 1971.
  54. "Cash Box Year-End Charts: Top 100 Pop Singles, December 25, 1971". Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  55. "American single certifications – Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
  56. Viglione, Joe. "Love Story: Johnny Mathis: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  57. "I Wanna Be Free: Loretta Lynn: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  58. "Sandie Shaw – "Rose Garden" (1971, Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  59. Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. pp. 872/873. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  60. Planer, Lindsay. "Carol Burnett Featuring If I Could Write a Song: Carol Burnett: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  61. Cooper, William. "Move to Move: Kon Kan: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  62. "Chisato Moritaka – 17-sai (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)". J!-Ent. May 25, 1999. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  63. Deming, Mark. "Angel with a Lariat: k.d. lang: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  64. lang, k.d.; Reclines, The (May 1986). "Angel with a Lariat". Sire Records.
  65. "k.d. lang – Adult Contemporary". RPM. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  66. "k.d. lang – Country Singles". RPM. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  67. Hurst, Jack (January 31, 1988). "Angel With a Lariat (k.d. Lang & The Reclines)". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  68. "k.d. lang – "Rose Garden" (1987, Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  69. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Timeless: Martina McBride: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  71. ""(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  72. ""(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden" chart history (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  73. Lambert, Arden. "Martina McBride's Take on Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden"". Country Thang Daily. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  74. "Brazil" (PDF). ABPD. October 6, 2001. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
  75. "Martina McBride Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
  76. "Martina McBride Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.

Books
  • Oermann, Robert K.; Bufwack, Mary A. (2003). Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music: 1800–2000. Nashville, TN: The Country Music Press & Vanderbilt University Press. ISBN 0-8265-1432-4.
  • Kosser, Michael (2006). How Nashville Became Music City U.S.A. New York: Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 0-634-09806-3.
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