About the song
Terry Jacks’ Seasons in the Sun, now that’s a song that evokes a very specific kind of melancholic nostalgia. Released in 1974, it became a massive international hit, topping charts around the world. But beneath its catchy melody and seemingly innocent lyrics lies a surprisingly complex story.
Jacks’ version is actually an adaptation of a much older song, originally written and performed by the Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel. Brel’s original French version, titled Le Moribond (The Dying Man), was released in 1961. It’s a far more stark and cynical affair, with the narrator, a man dying of a broken heart, bitterly addressing his unfaithful lover in the final verse.
Jacks, on the other hand, took a very different approach. He softened the edges, transforming the song into a sentimental ballad about a man facing his own mortality. The focus shifted from bitterness to a bittersweet acceptance of life’s impermanence. This lyrical reinterpretation, along with Jacks’ signature melancholic vocals and the now iconic piano intro, struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
It’s important to note that Seasons in the Sun wasn’t universally embraced. Some critics derided it as overly sentimental, a schmaltzy pop song exploiting a serious topic. However, there’s no denying its cultural impact. The song transcended language barriers, becoming a poignant reflection on mortality that resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Jacks’ version also sparked a renewed interest in Brel’s work. Though not as widely known in the English-speaking world, Brel was a giant in his native Belgium and France. His music was a powerful blend of theatricality, poetic lyricism, and raw emotion. Seasons in the Sun served as a gateway drug for many, leading them to explore the depths of Brel’s vast and influential catalogue.
The enduring legacy of Seasons in the Sun lies in its ability to capture the bittersweet beauty of life. It reminds us to cherish the moments we have, to hold onto the people we love, and to face the inevitable with a touch of grace. Whether you find it sentimental or profound, there’s no denying that Terry Jacks’ Seasons in the Sun remains a powerful and enduring song.
Video
Lyrics
“Seasons In The Sun”
(originally by Jacques Brel)
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
We had seasons in the sun