Sunrise Sunset
Heather Clifton; Miriam Karlin; Susan Paule And Company; 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
The lyrics of "Sunrise, Sunset" from Topol’s song reflect the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The singer reflects on watching a little girl and boy grow up before their eyes. They express disbelief at how quickly these children have transformed into young adults, questioning where the time has gone and how they themselves have aged without realizing it.
The repeated phrases "Sunrise, sunset" emphasize the cyclical nature of life, as days and years pass swiftly. The imagery of seedlings turning into blooming sunflowers overnight symbolizes the rapid growth and transformation that can occur seemingly in an instant. This serves as a metaphor for how life moves forward without pause, with moments of joy and sorrow intertwined.
As the singer contemplates the beauty and height of the children, they ponder what wisdom they can impart to them and how they can guide them through life. The lyrics highlight the natural progression of learning and growth as the children must now navigate the world and learn from their own experiences and from each other day by day.
The song concludes with a bittersweet tone as the singer reflects on the children’s new journey together as a couple, hinting at their own mortality and wondering what the future holds for them. The lyrics encapsulate the fleeting nature of time, the cycle of life and the emotional complexity of witnessing loved ones grow and change. "Sunrise, Sunset" serves as a poignant reminder to cherish each moment and to embrace the passage of time with all its joys and sorrows.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this the little girl I carried
Reflecting on how quickly time has passed and how the girl has grown
Is this the little boy at play?
Questioning the reality of seeing the boy grown up and not playing anymore
I don't remember growing older
Noticing the rapid passing of time without realizing aging
When did they?
Wondering about the exact time when the children matured
When did she get to be a beauty
Recognizing the girl's transformation into a beautiful woman
When did he grow to be so tall?
Acknowledging the boy's growth into a tall man
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Remembering how recently the children were little
Sunrise, sunset
Symbolizing the passage of time from morning to night
Sunrise, sunset
Repeating the idea of days passing quickly
Swiftly flow the days
Emphasizing how fast time goes by
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Metaphorically describing how quickly children grow up
Blossoming even as we gaze
Highlighting the beauty of watching children grow and change
Swiftly fly the years
Showing the speed at which years pass
One season following another
Comparing the passing of years to the changing seasons
Laiden with happiness and tears
Recognizing the mix of joy and sorrow that comes with life's moments
What words of wisdom can I give them
Contemplating how to offer guidance and advice to the children
How can I help to ease their way?
Considering ways to support and comfort the children in their journey
Now they must learn from one another
Realizing that the children must now rely on each other for growth
Day by day
Taking life one step at a time
They look so natural together
Observing the easy connection between the children
Just like two newlyweds should be
Comparing their harmonious relationship to that of a newly married couple
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Questioning if there will be a similar celebration for oneself
Lyrics © BOCK IP LLC, Kanjian Music, 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