Gene Watson – 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 in January 1977 as the first single and title track from his album Paper Rosie. Watson’s version peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the spring of 1977. It also reached number 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.

Gene Watson – Paper Rosie
From the album Paper Rosie
B-side “Don’t Look at Me (In That Tone of Voice)”
Released January 1977
Recorded November 18, 1976
Genre Country
Label Capitol
Songwriter(s) Dallas Harms
Producer(s) Russ Reeder

COUNTRYPEDIA

Gene Watson – Paper Rosie Lyrics

The sun goes down in Calvin county
Neon lights from an old beer sign
Shown through the window out on the sidewalk
As I walked in to pass the time;
I looked around, sat down at a table
Ordered beef on rye and a glass of wine
And through the door came a little old lady
She was selling paper roses and they only cost a dime

Paper Rosie, Paper Rosie
She sold you Paper Roses, But they only cost a dime
Silver hair that’s lost its’ Gold
Trembling hand as she passed the rose
Red Crepe paper, made nature’s bouquet
Help a little old lady buy a rose today;
I took the rose from her trembing hand
With eyes of age, she smilled and walked away
Like a breath of spring I could smell the rose
It came alive and I heard her say

Buy my Roses, pretty roses
They’re only made of paper
But they only cost a dime

I went to look for her outside
A spray of roses lay by her side
The sky lit up and the choir sang
A thousand voices as the church bells rang

They sang Rosie (Rosie), paper Rosie (Rosie)
She sold you Paper Roses
But they only cost a dime

Paper Rosie (Rosie), Paper Rosie (Rosie)
She sold you paper roses
But they only cost a dime

GENIUS