Sunrise Sunset
J. Brown Lyrics
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(Tevye)
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
(Golde)
I don't remember growing older
(Tevye)
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he get to be so tall?
(Golde)
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?
(Men)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
(Women)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
(Tevye)
What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?
(Tevye)
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
(Perchik)
They look so natural together
(Hodel)
Just like two newlyweds should be
(Perchik & Hodel)
Is there a canopy in store for me?
(All)
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
Laden with happiness and tears
The song “Sunrise, Sunset” from J. Brown’s Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of aging. The song is sung by various characters from the musical, as they observe the growth of the younger generation and their own changing circumstances. The lyrics of the song present a sense of awe at the passage of time, as well as a longing for the past and a concern for the future.
The song begins with Tevye reminiscing about his daughter, wondering if she is still the same little girl he once carried. Golde responds with her own sense of disbelief at how quickly time has passed. The two then sing about how their children have grown up and changed so quickly, reflecting on how they themselves have grown older without even realizing it. The chorus of the song, sung by both the men and women of the cast, emphasizes the transience of life and how quickly the years seem to fly by. They comment on how children grow and change “swiftly,” turning from “seedlings” to “sunflowers” even as we watch.
As the song continues, Tevye laments that he can’t offer his children any real wisdom or guidance as they move into adulthood, but must instead let them find their own way. The other characters briefly comment on their own relationships and hopes for the future before the song ends with one last repetition of the chorus. The song is a bittersweet reminder that time waits for no one and that life is a journey filled with both joy and sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunrise, Sunset
The passing of time, marked by the sun's daily rise and fall.
Is this the little girl I carried?
Reflecting on how fast children grow up and change.
Is this the little boy at play?
Reflecting on how fast children grow up and change.
I don't remember growing older
Realizing how quickly time has gone by and how fast their children have grown up.
When did they?
Asking when their children grew up.
When did she get to be a beauty?
Realizing how much their daughter has grown and changed into a beautiful young woman.
When did he get to be so tall?
Realizing how much their son has grown and changed into a tall young man.
Wasn't it yesterday
Feeling like it was just yesterday that their children were young and small.
When they were small?
Asking if it wasn't just yesterday that their children were younger and smaller.
Sunrise, sunset
Repeating the passing of time marked by the sun's daily rise and fall.
Swiftly flow the days
Days seem to pass quickly as time moves on.
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Children grow and mature quickly, as if turning into beautiful sunflowers overnight.
Blossoming even as we gaze
Watching as their children blossom and grow into young adults as time passes by.
One season following another
Highlighting the cyclical nature of life; seasons changing and time moving on.
Laden with happiness and tears
Emotions experienced throughout life's journey, both happy and sad.
What words of wisdom can I give them?
Wondering what advice to give to their children as they grow up and navigate their way through life.
How can I help to ease their way?
Wondering how to support and guide their children as they grow up and face life's challenges.
Now they must learn from one another
Their children must learn from each other and gain their own experiences in life.
Day by day
Taking life one day at a time.
They look so natural together
Observing how well their children get along and how natural their relationship is.
Just like two newlyweds should be
Their children's relationship resembles that of newlyweds in love.
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Reflecting on the tradition of the Jewish wedding canopy, and wondering if their children will get married.
Sunrise, sunset
Repeating the passing of time marked by the sun's daily rise and fall.
Swiftly fly the years
The years seem to go by quickly as time moves on.
One season following another
Highlighting the cyclical nature of life; seasons changing and time moving on.
Laden with happiness and tears
Emotions experienced throughout life's journey, both happy and sad.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Loyal Beagle Family
This song is 🔥🔥 it’s a really cool song
Sdeisha1
I love this song.
Quintina Warren
I love your videos
Terela Jiles
This is the best song that he's ever done I love it I find myself playing it quite often
Mark Elliott
J.Brown really put this track down!!
Loyal Beagle Family
I love this song
snipeboogie
thank god r&b back with this generation...fire
Charmaine Stephens
Love this song so much. Heard of on it sirius xm one night and been hooked ever since.
Le'Shawn Spruiell
I love this song! Very chill and great vibe!
Ri Ri
Love this song