George Jones – Wine Colored Roses

Introduction:

In 1986, the legendary country singer George Jones released a song that resonated deeply with fans, both old and new. “Wine Colored Roses”, the title track from his album of the same name, became a signature tune for Jones, showcasing his powerful vocals and his unmatched ability to deliver a song brimming with raw emotion.

“Wine Colored Roses” is a classic country ballad, a genre where Jones reigned supreme. The song, written by Dennis Knutson and A.L. “Doodle” Owens, tells the story of a man grappling with the aftermath of a failed relationship. He receives a letter from a former lover, inquiring about his well-being, particularly if he has addressed his struggles with alcohol. Unable to confront his past directly, the protagonist resorts to a symbolic gesture, sending a dozen of wine colored roses as a message.

Billy Sherrill, a renowned country music producer who had collaborated with Jones on numerous occasions, produced “Wine Colored Roses.” Sherrill was known for his signature “polished country” sound, and “Wine Colored Roses” exemplifies this style. The song features a lush instrumental arrangement, with prominent backing vocals and a melancholic fiddle line that underscores the emotional weight of the lyrics.

“Wine Colored Roses” was a commercial success, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song’s critical reception was also positive, with many praising Jones’s heartfelt performance and the song’s relatable storytelling. More importantly, “Wine Colored Roses” resonated with fans, becoming a staple of Jones’s live performances for years to come.

In a 1994 interview, Jones himself cited “Wine Colored Roses” as one of his all-time favorite albums, highlighting the quality of the songs. Interestingly, the song also held a special significance for Jones because it coincided with a period of personal transformation in his own life. In 1984, just two years before the release of “Wine Colored Roses,” Jones had finally conquered his battle with alcoholism. Audiences, aware of this struggle, often reacted enthusiastically when Jones delivered the line “She asked if I had quit drinkin’,” offering a subtle form of encouragement and support.

“Wine Colored Roses” stands as a testament to George Jones’s artistry. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

Video:

Lyrics:

Today I got a long letter
From one who still cares for me
She asked lots of questions
Like would I call her sometime
And was I gettin’ back on my feet?
She asked if I had quit drinkin’
Like I promised her long ago
The words wouldn’t come
When I called and she answered
Oh, but I found a way to say no

I sent her some wine-colored roses
The color of grapes on the vine
When she sees the wine-colored roses
They’ll tell her I’m still on the wine

The roses will say I still love her
And their color will cause her to cry
One dozen reasons to tell her I’m sorry
And twelve pretty flowers don’t lie

I sent her some wine-colored roses
The color of grapes on the vine
When she sees the wine colored roses
They’ll tell her I’m still on the wine

I sent her some wine-colored roses