Passing Of The Days
Carole King Lyrics


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May you travel bright and cheery
The many roads ahead you'll have to blaze
Gonna be hard times to make you weary
It's a part of the passing of the days

With all the people in the middle
Selling things that self-destruct and make us bleed
One day it's all gonna fall down
Then you'll find out you're all you really need
May you wander through the changes
With the warmth of the sun behind the haze
When your lifestyle quickly re-arranges
May you follow the passing of the days
We trade our money for magic words
Like Dumbo flying high in the nightly show
You think you can't fly without them
But someday when it happens you will know

May you travel bright and cheery
The many roads ahead you'll have to blaze
Gonna be hard times to make you weary




It's all part of the passing of the days
May you follow the passing of the days

Overall Meaning

Carole King’s song Passing Of The Days talks about the ups and downs in life and how we have to keep moving forward, no matter what happens. The lyrics open with a wish for the listener to embark on their journey with positivity and joy, knowing that there will be difficult times that may cause weariness. The song reminds us that the passing of time brings change, which we must be prepared for.


King goes on to comment on society and the culture of consumerism that is prevalent. She talks about people in the middle who sell products that may harm us, causing self-destruction and suffering. She suggests that eventually, everything material will fall apart, leaving us to realize that we are all we need. The passing of time moves us through these changes, and we must follow it with grace and acceptance.


King’s heartfelt lyrics are a reminder to all of us that life is full of struggles and challenges, but also full of beauty and wonder. The passing of time brings us growth and progress, and we must embrace it all. The song has a beautiful message that speaks to the soul and resonates with people from different walks of life.


Line by Line Meaning

May you travel bright and cheery
Wishing you to have a positive, optimistic outlook as you embark on your journey ahead.


The many roads ahead you'll have to blaze
Acknowledging that you will have to pave your own way and make your own choices as you move forward.


Gonna be hard times to make you weary
Admitting that there will be difficulty and struggle along the way that may cause you to feel fatigued or disheartened.


It's a part of the passing of the days
Reminding you that adversity is simply a natural part of the ebb and flow of life over time.


With all the people in the middle
Recognizing the presence of those who may try to deceive or manipulate you as you navigate your way through life.


Selling things that self-destruct and make us bleed
Describing harmful or unsustainable products or practices that may ultimately cause harm or damage.


One day it's all gonna fall down
Implying that the consequences of these negative practices will eventually catch up to those perpetuating them.


Then you'll find out you're all you really need
Encouraging the realization that true fulfillment and sustainable success come from within rather than external validation or resources.


May you wander through the changes
Hope for your ability to adapt and evolve as circumstances and the passage of time inevitably bring new challenges and opportunities.


With the warmth of the sun behind the haze
Imagery invoking the idea of radiating positivity and hope in the face of uncertainty or confusion.


When your lifestyle quickly re-arranges
Anticipating the many shifts and changes that may occur throughout one's lifetime, often without warning or preparation.


May you follow the passing of the days
Enduring takeaway message that the best course of action is often to embrace the inevitability of change and simply follow the flowing stream of life's natural progression.


We trade our money for magic words
Critique on the unsustainable consumerism and unhealthy reliance on external validation that often permeate modern society.


Like Dumbo flying high in the nightly show
Allusion to the classic children's story of the flying elephant, suggesting that false promises of instant success or happiness are akin to a fantastical tale with no basis in reality.


You think you can't fly without them
Acknowledging the powerful and often misleading allure of such promises and the belief that they are necessary for success or fulfillment.


But someday when it happens you will know
Promise that true success or happiness can only be achieved through genuine effort, self-reflection, and perseverance, rather than empty promises or quick fixes.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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