I Threw Away the Rose

Merle Haggard, Merle Haggard & the Strangers

About I Threw Away the Rose

"I Threw Away the Rose" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in February 1967 as the first single from the album Branded Man. The song peaked at number two on the U. S. Billboard Hot Country Singles. In 1994 Lorrie Morgan recorded a version of the song which replaced the "I" in the lyrics with "you", changing it from a self-referential song to a song about someone else, for the Merle Haggard tribute album Mama's Hungry Eyes: A Tribute to Merle Haggard.  


Year:
2013
3:21
38 
#1

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Once I lived a life of wine and roses
And I drank a lot back then for one concern
Success for me lay just around the corner
I thought my social friends would help me make me turn

But now I'm paying for the days of wine and roses 
A victim of the drunken life I chose
Now all my social friends look down their noses
'Cause I kept the wine and threw away the rose

I stood by and watched the bottle take control of me
The turn I made was not the one I'd planned
And I watched my social standings slip away from me
While I watched the bottle slowly take command

And now I'm paying for the days of wine and roses 
A victim of the drunken life I chose
Now all my social friends look down their noses
'Cause I kept the wine and threw away the rose
'Cause I kept the wine and threw away the rose

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Merle Haggard

Merle Ronald Haggard (born April 6, 1937) is an American country music song writer, singer, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster and the unique mix with the traditional country steel guitar sound, new vocal harmony styles in which the words are minimal, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville Sound recordings of the same era. more »

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Written by: MERLE HAGGARD

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Date
"I Threw Away the Rose" was released in April 1967 as part of Merle Haggard's album "Branded Man".
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Songwriting
Though often associated with a classic country narrative of love lost, Haggard himself has said that the song is actually about his struggle recovering from alcoholism, symbolizing his decision to throw away his 'rose-colored glasses'.
Genre
"I Threw Away the Rose" is classified as a Country Music song, embodying many features of the Bakersfield sound which Merle Haggard was instrumental in defining.
Cover versions
The song has had numerous cover versions performed by other artistes over the decades, demonstrating its enduring popularity. Notable artists who've covered the song include Elvis Costello and Dolly Parton.
Critical acclaim
"I Threw Away the Rose" is widely considered one of Merle Haggard's finest songs, cementing his reputation as a country music legend.
Influence
The song's introspective and personal lyrics stand as a precursor to what would later develop as "outlaw" country in the 1970s.
Album Success
The album "Branded Man," which contains "I Threw Away the Rose," has been cited by critics as one of Haggard's strongest albums, showcasing his mature songwriting skills and distinctive voice.
Haggard's Struggle with Alcohol
Substance abuse was a recurring theme in Haggard's life and music. After being released from prison, he struggled with alcoholism, even at the height of his career. "I Threw Away the Rose" is a poignant reflection of this struggle.
Live performances
"I Threw Away the Rose" was frequently included in Haggard's setlist during his live performances, demonstrating the song's popularity among fans and its importance in Haggard's repertoire.
Legacy
Today, "I Threw Away the Rose" remains one of the enduring classics of the country music genre, admired for its lyrical depth, the emotional resonance of Haggard's delivery, and its honest depiction of personal struggle.

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