Sunrise Sunset
Chaim Topol Lyrics
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Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laiden with happiness and tears
What words of wisdom can I give them
How can I help to ease their way?
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
They look so natural together
Just like two newlyweds should be
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laiden with happiness and tears
Chaim Topol's song Sunrise Sunset is a poignant reflection on the swift passage of time and the bittersweet process of watching children grow up. The song opens with the haunting question, "Is this the little girl I carried? Is this the little boy at play?" which sets the stage for the poignant meditation on the passage of time that follows. The singer reflects on the pain of growing older and realizing that time has moved so quickly that he can hardly remember it happening. He wonders when the children in his life have become adults, and how they have transformed into the beings they are now.
The song's chorus, "Sunrise, sunset, swiftly flow the days," echoes these sentiments and emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. The image of "seedlings turn[ing] overnight to sunflowers" captures the suddenness of change and growth, while the juxtaposition of "happiness and tears" emphasizes the complex emotions that accompany every stage of life. The singer concludes with a hopeful plea to offer guidance and comfort to the next generation, knowing that they too will face the challenges of time and growth.
Overall, Sunrise Sunset is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the inevitability of change and the timeless struggle of human existence. It is a reminder to cherish every moment and to offer support and guidance to those who come after us.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this the little girl I carried
Has time passed so quickly that this young woman before me was once the little girl I used to carry?
Is this the little boy at play?
Can it be that the young man playing there was the little boy I cared for?
I don't remember growing older
I didn't realize how fast time was passing, and it feels like I haven't aged at all.
When did they?
When did the children grow into adults?
When did she get to be a beauty
When did the girl become an attractive young woman?
When did he grow to be so tall?
When did the boy turn into a tall man?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
It seems like it was only yesterday when the children were small and innocent.
Sunrise, sunset
The passage of time between day and night.
Swiftly flow the days
Time goes by quickly.
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Children grow up quickly and blossom into adults suddenly.
Blossoming even as we gaze
As we watch children grow, they become more mature and independent.
Sunrise, sunset
The cyclical passage of time -- from day to night and then back again.
Swiftly fly the years
Time passes so quickly that it feels like years are flying by in a flash.
One season following another
The changing of seasons represents the passing of time.
Laiden with happiness and tears
The happiness and sorrow that marks our individual journeys in life.
What words of wisdom can I give them
What advice can I offer my children to help them along their paths?
How can I help to ease their way?
As a parent, how can I support my children as they navigate the challenges of life?
Now they must learn from one another
The time has come for the children to learn from each other without me being involved as much.
Day by day
The slow accumulation of experience over time.
They look so natural together
The children have grown so close with each other that they look like they were meant to be together.
Just like two newlyweds should be
Their bond is so strong that they seem like a new family starting out in the world.
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Will I be able to witness more moments like these and watch my children continue to grow?
Lyrics © BOCK IP LLC, BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerrold Bock, Sheldon Harnick
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DauntlessEagle1776
+Nicole Olivier yes, I know what you mean, As a Kid I ;loved this musical. I lived this man life and later worked 20 year in the USAF and 7 Year in Baghdad, Iraq when I discovered something quite shocking. I had wasted my life believing a huge lie on all western nations.... you will not understand my Warning if you do not see these two YOUTUBES... Everything we were taught is a LIE.
Benjamin Freeman 1961 Speech
And
In the shadow of Hermes.... ( the truth about the Soviet Revolution of 1917)
Fiddler on the roof is about Tragedy and lives taken and murdered.......Right?
@hubertpretkiewicz544
Is this the little girl I carried
Is this the little boy at play
I don't remember growing older
When did they
When did she get to be a beauty
When did he grow to be so tall
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small
Sunrise sunset
Sunrise sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflower.
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise sunset
Sunrise sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
What words of wisdom can I give them
How can I help to ease their way
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
They look so natural together
just like the newly - weds should be
Is there a canopy in store for me.
Sunrise sunset...
@ahleesay
Is this the little girl I carried
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laiden with happiness and tears
What words of wisdom can I give them
How can I help to ease their way?
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
They look so natural together
Just like two newlyweds should be
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laiden with happiness and tears
@rickramos1292
Chaim Topol has passed away this day at the age of 87. May he rest in peace. He will be missed for his talent, his performances, and goodwill. I saw him in a production of this show back in the 90's. I feel privileged to have been able to catch one of his many performances in that iconic role.
@theresaheywood9479
Thank you for letting people know. He was.extremley talented he will be missed.
@kathleenwindasgoodwin9165
I had the pleasure of seeing him in London years ago. He was perfect and phenomenal in Fiddler. Great talent!
@juliam.mallen9019
I'm sure he's up in heaven giving the Lord some beautiful special performances!
My condolences and blessings to his family 💕🙏
@jerryisland236
May he rest in peace!
@DrewPritt
May his memory be a blessing.
@belleepoque2544
RIP Chaim Topol, may your memory be a blessing
@mstrainjr
This is such a powerful scene. I love the part when the camera is going to all the different faces in the crowd and you see the emotion on their faces. Such wonderful acting without a single word said.
@NickJay
+M. Strain Jr. I totally agree with you but the power of the song is amazing. I love it and so emotional. Like others I find it hard keeping the tears (of joy) back - beautiful.
@Ignauhak
The director has clearly done a good job here, because so much thought is eminating forth from their very eyes. He must have told them what to think and really allowed them time to let it consume them ^_^