Autumn Leaves
Jo Stafford Lyrics
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The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
C'est une chanson, qui nous ressemble
Toi tu m'aimais et je t'aimais
Nous vivions tous deux ensemble
Toi qui m'aimais moi qui t'aimais
Mais la vie separe ceux qui s'aiment
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants desunis
In Jo Stafford's song "Autumn Leaves," the singer beautifully captures the essence of autumn, a season that symbolizes transition and change. The falling leaves, drifting by the window, represent the falling of memories, moments, and feelings that we hold dear. The autumn leaves of red and gold reflect the beauty that can still be found in the midst of change, just as emotions and relationships can still hold significance even after they have faded away.
The singer reminisces about memories of summer kisses and holding the sun-burned hands of a loved one who has now gone away. The days grow long and winter's song is soon to be heard, as the inevitability of change and loss becomes more apparent. However, it is during the autumn season when the singer misses her darling most of all. This may represent the idea that as we move into new phases of life, we often reflect on the past and the loved ones who were once a part of it.
Line by Line Meaning
The falling leaves drift by the window
The sound of the leaves falling by the window represents the change of season and time passing by.
The autumn leaves of red and gold
The changing colors of the leaves of autumn symbolize the beautiful yet fleeting nature of life.
I see your lips, the summer kisses
I vividly remember the warmth and affection shared between us during summer time.
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
I cherish the feeling of holding your hands under the summer sun, a moment that I cannot experience again.
Since you went away the days grow long
Without you, my days feel empty and never-ending.
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
As the season changes to winter, I know that the cold and loneliness will intensify.
But I miss you most of all my darling
Out of all the things that resonate in my memory, I miss you the most my dear.
When autumn leaves start to fall
The falling autumn leaves serve as a reminder of the love that was once present, yet now exists only as a memory.
C'est une chanson, qui nous ressemble
This is a song that reflects who we are.
Toi tu m'aimais et je t'aimais
You loved me and I loved you.
Nous vivions tous deux ensemble
We used to live together.
Toi qui m'aimais moi qui t'aimais
You, who loved me and I, who loved you.
Mais la vie separe ceux qui s'aiment
But life has separated two people who truly loved each other.
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
Slowly and without any noise.
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants desunis
And the sea washes away the footprints of the lovers who are no longer together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Springstoff GmbH, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jacques Prevert, Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Susan
The falling leaves /drift by my window
The autumn leaves /of red and gold
I see your lips,/ the summer kisses
The sunburned hands,
I used to hold
Since you went away/ days grow longer
And soon I'll hear /old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, /
my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
Since you went away/ days grow longer
And soon I'll hear /old winter's song
But I miss you most of all,
my darling
When autumn leaves / start to fall
anstanch
The falling leaves
Drift by the window
The autumn leaves
Of red and gold
I see your lips
The summer kisses
The sunburned hands
I used to hold
Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear
Old winter's song
But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall
Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear
Old winter's song
But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall
Songwriters: Jacques Prevert / Johnny Mercer / Joseph Kosma
V Cat
My parents were WWII generation...& this was my mama’s favorite!!! It was in a movie called “Golden Earrings”...which was a great WWII movie...that she loved as well! I learned to play this on the piano...& it is truly a joy to play! 🙏🥰❤️
Robbie Harris
It has that WWII edge... but.... the song was not composed or published until after the war! Became a big hit only in the 50s. :-)
Marciannie Marciannie
I’ve lived in Florida for many years but grew up in New York State. Today, I got a an envelope of fall leaves from my cousin! I immediately thought of this song! Had to look it up and listen! Still beautiful...just like the leaves!
Cad Burry
You send each other fall leaves? That is sooo sweet! :)
uo13422
Beautifully done by Jo.
PAUL VIARDOT
Orchestration d'une grande finesse et interprétation incomparable .
Kaity Kinloch
Isn't this just delicious? Gives me chills.
Susan
The falling leaves /drift by my window
The autumn leaves /of red and gold
I see your lips,/ the summer kisses
The sunburned hands,
I used to hold
Since you went away/ days grow longer
And soon I'll hear /old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, /
my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
Since you went away/ days grow longer
And soon I'll hear /old winter's song
But I miss you most of all,
my darling
When autumn leaves / start to fall
BubbaLynx
Excellent!
anstanch
The falling leaves
Drift by the window
The autumn leaves
Of red and gold
I see your lips
The summer kisses
The sunburned hands
I used to hold
Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear
Old winter's song
But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall
Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear
Old winter's song
But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall
Songwriters: Jacques Prevert / Johnny Mercer / Joseph Kosma