75 Septembers
Cheryl Wheeler Lyrics
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Shadow of the great world war
The third kid grandmom had
Came into this world
On a rolling farm in Maryland
When Wilson was the president
As summer blew her goodbye through the trees
Growing up between the wars
Fords rolled off the lines
And bars all closed their doors
and I imagine you back then
With snap brim hat and farmer's tan
Where horses drew their wagons through the fields
Now the fields are all four lanes
and the moon's not just a name
Are you more amazed at how things change
Or how they stay the same
And do you sit here on this porch and wonder
How the time flies by
Or does it seem to barely creep along
With 75 Septembers come and gone
Were the fields all gold and fawn
Was the spring house dark and cool
Did the rooster crow at dawn
When they got you up for school
And would you tell me once again
The tales of granddad's hired men
And how they drove the old dirt road to town
Cause now the fields are all four lanes
And the moon's not just a name
Are you more amazed at how things change
Or how they stay the same
And do you sit here on this porch and wonder
How the times flies by
Or does it seem to barely creep along
With 75 Septembers come and gone
In the year of the yellow cab
Shadow of the great world war
Cheryl Wheeler's song "75 Septembers" is a powerful reflection on time, memory, and the passing of generations. The song is essentially a conversation between the singer and an elderly person, likely a grandparent or great-grandparent, who has lived through many decades of change and upheaval. The title refers to the fact that the person has experienced 75 Septembers, or 75 years of life, and the song uses vivid imagery and poignant questions to explore the person's memories and feelings.
The song begins with a nostalgic look back at the time when the person was born, during the era of the yellow cab and the shadow of the great world war. The lyrics then jump forward to the present day, where the person is sitting on the porch and looking out at the fields, which are now "all four lanes." From there, the singer asks a series of questions about what life was like when the person was young- were the fields all gold and fawn? Did the rooster crow at dawn? The questions are infused with a sense of wonder and curiosity, as if the singer is trying to capture and hold onto the memories of a time that has long since passed.
The most powerful aspect of the song is the way it highlights the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The person in the song has seen so many Septembers come and go, and the singer wonders whether they are more amazed at how things have changed or how they have stayed the same. The song invites the listener to reflect on their own experiences of memory and nostalgia, and to consider the preciousness of life and the inevitability of change.
Line by Line Meaning
In the year of the yellow cab
Referring to a specific time period, during which there were yellow taxis as a common mode of transportation.
Shadow of the great world war
Referring to the impact of the Second World War, which loomed over the era and greatly influenced society.
The third kid grandmom had
Referring to the birth of the subject's mother, which shows the passing of time and the continuation of generations.
Came into this world
Acknowledging the fact that the mother was born, and entered into the world during a certain period.
On a rolling farm in Maryland
Describing the location of birth to be on a farm in Maryland that had rolling fields.
When Wilson was the president
Referring to Woodrow Wilson's presidency, which occurred during the time of the birth, thus giving a concrete timeline.
As summer blew her goodbye through the trees
Describing the end of summer, which serves as a metaphor for the end of one's youth, and the changes that come with it.
A child of changing times
Acknowledging that the subject was born during a time of rapid change, which greatly impacted their upbringing.
Growing up between the wars
Describing the period of time between the two World Wars as a formative experience for the subject.
Fords rolled off the lines
Referring to the production of Ford automobiles, which marked the beginning of the automobile industry's impact on society.
And bars all closed their doors
Referencing the Prohibition period, which led to the closing of bars and the illegalization of alcohol.
And I imagine you back then
The artist is imagining what the subject's life was like during the time period being discussed.
With snap brim hat and farmer's tan
Describing the appearance of the subject, which paints a vivid picture of the time period and the lifestyle involved.
Where horses drew their wagons through the fields
Describing a common mode of transportation and the way of life involved with farming during that time period.
Now the fields are all four lanes
Reference to the development of highways and urbanization, which have greatly impacted the landscape and way of life.
And the moon's not just a name
Acknowledging that scientific advancements have led to a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Are you more amazed at how things change
Asking if the subject is surprised by how much change has occurred in their lifetime.
Or how they stay the same
Suggesting that despite many changes, some things may remain constant in life.
And do you sit here on this porch and wonder
Depicting the subject in a reflective state, pondering on their life and the changes that have occurred.
How the time flies by
Expressing the idea that time seems to pass quickly, especially when looking back on past experiences.
Or does it seem to barely creep along
Asking if time seems to pass slowly, or less quickly than expected.
With 75 Septembers come and gone
Referring to the subject's age and the many years that have passed since their birth.
Were the fields all gold and fawn
Recalling the appearance of the fields during the time period of the subject's youth.
Was the spring house dark and cool
Describing a common feature on a farm, and the memories associated with it.
Did the rooster crow at dawn
Recalling a common sound on a farm, and the memories associated with it.
When they got you up for school
Describing a typical routine for a child growing up during that time period.
And would you tell me once again
Asking the subject to recall and share memories from their youth.
The tales of granddad's hired men
Referring to the men that worked for the subject's grandfather, highlighting the idea of family and tradition.
And how they drove the old dirt road to town
Describing a common mode of transportation during that time period, and the memories associated with it.
Lyrics © GET SONGS DIRECT
Written by: CHERYL WHEELER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind