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“Rose Garden” (sometimes titled “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden”) is a song written in 1967 by American singer-songwriter Joe South. It was first recorded by Billy Joe Royal on his 1967 studio album Billy Joe Royal Featuring Hush. Versions by South himself and Dobie Gray appeared shortly after the original. Gray’s version became a minor hit in North America in 1969.

In 1970, Lynn Anderson recorded “Rose Garden” after hearing Joe South’s version. However, Anderson’s producer rejected the song’s recording because he did not consider it to be a female tune. After much convincing, the song was eventually recorded and released as a single by Columbia Records. The song became a crossover hit after it reached both the American Billboard country and pop charts. “Rose Garden” also became a major hit worldwide, reaching the number-one spot in multiple countries.

In 1971 at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards, the Lynn Anderson version of “Rose Garden” won her the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.

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