The Meaning Behind The Song: Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) by Edison Lighthouse
Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) is a classic pop song that was a surprise hit in 1970. It was recorded by the group Edison Lighthouse and written by Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason. The song became an instant classic, reaching the top of the charts in both the UK and the US. The catchy tune and upbeat lyrics helped cement the song’s place in pop music history.
The Lyrics That Hooked a Generation
The lyrics of Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) are simple, yet incredibly effective. The song is essentially about a young man who’s fallen head over heels in love with a woman named Rosemary. He sings about how he can’t get enough of her and how he’ll always be there for her.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with the lines “Love grows where my Rosemary goes and nobody knows like me.” This line has become one of the most iconic in pop music history. It perfectly captures the feeling of being in love and the sense of wonder that comes with it.
The Origins of the Song
The song was written by Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason, who were two of the most successful songwriters of the time. They had already written several hit songs for other artists, including The Seekers and The Tremeloes.
In an interview with The Guardian, Macaulay explained the inspiration behind the song, saying:
“I was driving home from work one day, and I saw a woman called Rosemary getting off a bus. I thought: ‘That’s a great title for a song.’ I went home and started to write it. It was a really quick process. I wrote the music first, and then Barry came up with the lyrics.”
The song was recorded by Edison Lighthouse, which was a group created specifically to record the song. The lead singer, Tony Burrows, was brought in to provide vocals. The group’s name was chosen by Tony Macaulay because he liked the sound of it.
The Song’s Impact and Legacy
Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) was a massive hit when it was released in 1970. It reached number one in both the UK and the US, and it stayed on the charts for several weeks. The song’s success helped to establish Edison Lighthouse as a popular group, and it solidified the careers of Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason as hit-making songwriters.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Archies and Neil Diamond. It has also been used in several movies and TV shows, including the 2004 movie, 13 Going on 30.
In an interview with The Independent, Tony Macaulay reflected on the song’s lasting appeal, saying:
“I think it’s because of the simplicity of the song. It’s not complicated, and it’s very singable. The words are very straightforward, and I think that’s why it’s lasted so long.”
The Legacy of Tony Burrows
Although Edison Lighthouse was a one-hit-wonder, the group’s lead singer, Tony Burrows, went on to have a successful career as a session musician. He sang lead vocals on several other hit songs of the era, including “My Baby Loves Lovin'” by White Plains and “United We Stand” by Brotherhood of Man.
Burrows has since become something of a music industry legend. In an interview with The Guardian, he said:
“I was just a jobbing musician. I never thought I’d be remembered for anything. But it’s amazing to me that people still remember these songs after all these years.”
The Song’s Message of Love
At its core, Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) is a song about the power of love. It’s a simple message, but it’s one that has resonated with generations of listeners. The song’s success and continued popularity are a testament to its timeless message of love and devotion.
In a world where so much can seem complicated and confusing, Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) is a welcome reminder of the simple pleasures of life. It’s a song that can put a smile on anyone’s face and lift their spirits, even on the darkest of days.
As Tony Macaulay said in an interview with The Independent, “Love is the key to our lives. That’s what the song is all about, and it’s something that will never change.”
