About the song
## Seasons in the Sun: A Timeless Ballad of Regret and Loss
Terry Jacks’ “Seasons in the Sun” is a timeless ballad that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Released in 1974, the song quickly became a global hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its poignant lyrics, heartfelt melody, and the emotive performance by Jacks.
The song is based on a French poem titled “Le Temps des Cerises” by Jean Baptiste Clément, which was later adapted into an English song by Rod McKuen. Jacks’ version, however, takes the original narrative to a whole new level of emotional depth. The song tells the story of a man who is facing imminent death and reflects on his life, regrets, and hopes for the future.
The introduction of the song sets the stage for the emotional journey that follows. With its gentle acoustic guitar strumming and Jacks’ soft, melancholic vocals, the opening lines immediately draw the listener in. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man contemplating his mortality, as he sings, “Well, I’m tired of carryin’ this load/I’m gettin’ old and I’m gettin’ tired.”
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, as Jacks expresses his regrets and wishes for the future. He sings, “Seasons in the sun/May they be kind to you/May they be kind to you/As they were kind to me/Oh, may the good Lord be with you/May the good Lord be with you/May the good Lord be with you/As He has been with me.”
The lyrics of the song are filled with imagery and symbolism. The seasons, for example, represent the passage of time and the changing nature of life. The sun, on the other hand, is a metaphor for hope and warmth. The song’s message is universal, resonating with anyone who has experienced loss, regret, or a sense of mortality.
Terry Jacks’ performance of “Seasons in the Sun” is both haunting and beautiful. His vocals are filled with emotion, conveying the pain and sorrow of the character he is portraying. The simplicity of the arrangement, with its acoustic guitar and gentle percussion, serves to highlight the power of the lyrics and Jacks’ vocal delivery.
“Seasons in the Sun” is a song that has stood the test of time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional depth, timeless message, and Terry Jacks’ unforgettable performance. It is a song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of cherishing the moments we have and living life to the fullest.
Video
Lyrics
Goodbye to you, my trusted friend
We’ve known each other since we were nine or ten
Together we’ve climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABCs
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees
Goodbye my friend, it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Pretty girls are everywhere
Think of me and I’ll be there
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we climbed
Were just seasons out of time
Goodbye Papa, please pray for me
I was the black sheep of the family
You tried to teach me right from wrong
Too much wine and too much song
Wonder how I got along
Goodbye Papa it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Little children everywhere
When you see them, I’ll be there
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song
Like the seasons have all gone
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song
Like the seasons have all gone
Goodbye Michelle, my little one
You gave me love and helped me find the sun
And every time that I was down
You would always come around
And get my feet back on the ground
Goodbye Michelle, it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
With the flowers everywhere
I wish that we could both be there
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the stars we could reach
Were just starfish on the beach
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the stars we could reach
Were just starfish on the beach
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song
Like the seasons have all gone
All our lives we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we climbed
Were just seasons out of time
We had joy, we had fun