Edison Lighthouse’s “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”: A Nostalgic Hit That Never Fades

Few songs capture the carefree, feel-good energy of early ’70s pop quite like Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes). Released in 1970, the track made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 68. The song, an upbeat and infectious pop hit, was the creation of Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason, two powerhouse songwriters known for crafting some of the biggest tunes of the era.

“Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” became a surprise hit in 1970, but the band credited with the song—Edison Lighthouse—wasn’t really a band at all. The track was written by Tony Macaulay, known for “Build Me Up Buttercup,” and Barry Mason, the songwriter behind Tom Jones’s “Delilah.”

Rather than having an established group record it, Macaulay brought in session musicians, with Tony Burrows on lead vocals. Burrows, who had already sung on multiple hit records under different names, initially hoped to release the song under his own name. However, Macaulay insisted on creating a fictional band instead.

It’s undeniable that the song’s melody is bright and bouncy, driven by an infectious guitar riff and an upbeat rhythm that instantly lifts the mood. Its joyful energy is matched by its warm harmonies and soaring chorus, making it impossible not to sing along.

Lyrically, the song tells a simple but charming love story. The narrator is smitten with Rosemary, a woman who may not fit society’s idea of perfection, but to him, she’s everything. The message is clear: love isn’t about appearances or expectations—it’s about how someone makes you feel.

Edison Lighthouse’s debut single dominated the charts in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, while also landing high positions across the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Its irresistible melody and feel-good energy made it a staple of the era.

More than five decades later, the song experienced an unexpected resurgence. By late 2021, it had found new life on streaming platforms, even breaking into Spotify’s US Top 200. Social media helped introduce Love Grows to younger audiences, proving that its joyful sound and timeless charm remain as powerful as ever.