The song tells the story of a man reflecting on lost love and the hope of rekindling it. The metaphor of picking a rose represents enduring affection and a symbolic return to a past relationship. Set against a smooth, orchestrated backdrop, the lyrics combine themes of regret, romance, and emotional maturity.[1]
Marv Johnson, one of the original architects of the Motown sound and the song's co-writer, was the first to record the track in 1969.[2] Although Johnson's popularity had waned by the mid-1960s, the song brought him renewed success overseas, reaching No. 10 in the UK (his best charting song in 7 years).[3] It was also predicted to reach the top 60 on the Billboard Hot 100,[4] but it didn't even appear on the chart.
Eddie Fisher recorded the song in 1969, and it was released as his final single.[citation needed] It came after his "comeback" with a few well-charting songs in 1966 and 1967, but it failed to chart.
