Elvis Costello
Good Year for the Roses
[Verse 1]
I can hardly bear the sight of lipstick
On the cigarettes there in the ashtray
Lying 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
[Chorus]
What a good year for the roses
Many blooms still linger there
The lawn could stand another mowing
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
[Verse 2]
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 talking
There's so little left to say we haven't said
While a million thoughts go racing through my mind
I find I haven't said a word
From the bedroom the familiar sound
Of our baby's crying goes unheard
[Chorus]
What a good year for the roses
Many blooms still linger there
The lawn could stand another mowing
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