The Lynn Anderson Rose Garden song, recorded in 1970, became a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached #3 on the Hot 100 pop chart. It also became a major hit worldwide. The audio music video has over 16 million views. The song was written by Joe South and originally recorded by Billy Joe Royal. The Lynn Anderson version became the most popular recording. The lyrics talk about not promising a perfect life, but embracing both the good and bad times.