Paper Rosie Explained

Paper Rosie
Type:single
Artist:Gene Watson
Album:Paper Rosie
B-Side:Don't Look at Me (In That Tone of Voice)
Released:January 22, 1977
Recorded:November 18, 1976
Studio:Jack Clement Recording (Nashville, Tennessee)
Genre:Country
Length:3:57
Label:Capitol 4378
Producer:Russ Reeder
Prev Title:Her Body Couldn't Keep You (Off My Mind)
Prev Year:1976
Next Title:The Old Man and His Horn
Next Year:1977

"Paper Rosie" is a song written and originally recorded by Canadian country music artist Dallas Harms. Harms' version peaked at number 21 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in 1975.

The song was later covered by American country music artist Gene Watson. Watson's version released on January 22, 1977 as the first (and only) single and from his album Paper Rosie. Watson's version peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the spring of 1977.[1] It stayed at No. 3 for a total of 3 weeks of the 17 weeks it was on the chart. It also reached number 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.[2]

Content

The song is set at a roadside tavern and is told from the viewpoint of a young man who buys a paper rose from an elderly female vendor. Shortly thereafter, he hears the ringing of church bells and choir voices and realizes a funeral is taking place nearby. When he hears the choir singing "Paper Rosie," he realizes that the funeral is for the woman who'd just sold him the rose. The song suggests that it was actually the spirit of the woman who sold him the paper flower.

Chart performance

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Web site: [{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=gene-watson-p1862/charts-awards/billboard-singles|pure_url=yes}} Gene Watson singles ]. . March 16, 2011.
  2. Web site: RPM Country Singles for May 28, 1977 . . March 16, 2011.
  3. Hot Country Songs – Year-End 1977. Billboard. August 2, 2021.