About the song
“Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks is a poignant and reflective song that has touched the hearts of listeners since its release in 1974. Originally written by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, the song was titled “Le Moribond,” which translates to “The Dying Man.” The English adaptation, featuring lyrics by American poet Rod McKuen, was brought to life by Terry Jacks, a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
Jacks’ version of “Seasons in the Sun” was included in his album of the same name. The song stands out not only for its melancholic melody but also for its heartfelt lyrics that convey a sense of farewell and introspection. It tells the story of a man bidding goodbye to his loved ones as he reflects on the seasons of his life, making it a song that resonates with many who have experienced loss or are contemplating the passage of time.
Upon its release, “Seasons in the Sun” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also achieved significant success internationally, topping the charts in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The song’s widespread appeal can be attributed to its universal themes of love, loss, and the inevitable changes that come with life.
“Seasons in the Sun” remains one of Terry Jacks’ most enduring hits and a classic in the world of pop music. Its legacy continues as it evokes nostalgia and deep emotion, reminding listeners of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Video
Lyrics
Goodbye to you, my trusted friend
But we’ve known each other since we were nine or ten
Together, we’ve climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABC’s
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 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
Yeah, yeah, yeah
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 hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time
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
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…