About the song
In 1987, a twist of fate and a late-night radio encounter led the all-female rock band, The Bangles, to breathe new life into a classic song. While working on the soundtrack for the film “Less Than Zero,” they stumbled upon a hidden gem: Simon & Garfunkel’s “A Hazy Shade of Winter.” Susanna Hoffs, struck by the song’s raw energy on a lonely night, spearheaded the group’s decision to cover it.
Their rendition, titled simply “Hazy Shade of Winter,” marked a significant departure from the original. Gone was the folk-rock softness, replaced by a harder-edged rock sound that resonated with The Bangles’ signature style. This transformation wasn’t just about instrumentation; it reflected a newfound confidence in the band’s creative control. After a frustrating experience with limited input on their previous album, “Different Light,” the “Less Than Zero” soundtrack offered them the chance to shape the sound themselves. This resulted in an additional producer credit for the band, a testament to their growing influence.
The song’s arrangement differed from the original in another key aspect. Lead vocals, typically dominated by a single member in The Bangles’ songs, became a shared experience. All four members lent their voices, culminating in a powerful, unified performance. This collaborative approach further solidified the band’s identity as a collective force. However, a concession was made to record label pressure. The verse containing the line “drinking my vodka and lime” was removed, a minor alteration that couldn’t dim the song’s overall impact.
Released as a single in November 1987, “Hazy Shade of Winter” became an unexpected phenomenon. It transcended the film, surpassing the popularity of the original version and reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video, filmed in a studio with flickering television screens, mirrored a scene from “Less Than Zero” and further cemented the song’s association with the film.
Despite its success, “Hazy Shade of Winter” never made it onto any of The Bangles’ studio albums. However, it found a permanent home on their 1990 “Greatest Hits” compilation, securing its place as a fan favorite and a defining moment in the band’s career. The song’s enduring legacy extends beyond the charts, finding new life in popular television shows like “Stranger Things” and “The Umbrella Academy,” solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Video
Lyrics
Time, time, time
See what’s become of me
Time, time, time
See what’s become of me
While I looked around for my possibilities
I was so hard to please
Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Hear the Salvation Army band
Down by the riverside
There’s bound to be a better ride
Than what you’ve got planned
Carry a cup in your hand
Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Hang on to your hopes, my friend
That’s an easy thing to say
But if your hopes should pass away
Simply pretend that you can build them again
Look around
The grass is high
The fields are ripe
It’s the springtime of my life
Seasons change with the scenery
Weavin’ time in a tapestry
Won’t you stop and remember me?
Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Look around
Leaves are brown
There’s a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There’s a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There’s a patch of snow on the ground