Sunrise Sunset
Linda Hibberd Lyrics


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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,
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 two newlyweds should be.
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Sunrise, sunset. Sunrise, sunset,
Swiftly fly the years.




One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears.

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, Linda Hibberd reflects upon the passage of time and the bittersweet experience of watching loved ones grow up. The opening lines, "Is this the little girl I carried? Is this the little boy at play?" express the disbelief that the singer feels upon realizing how quickly children have grown. It is a moment of contemplation, as they recognize the inevitability of the aging process.


The phrase "I don't remember growing older, When did they?" highlights the universal phenomenon of feeling unaware of one's own aging until it becomes evident in those around us. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time.


As the song progresses, the singer questions the rapid transformation of the children, asking, "When did she get to be a beauty? When did he grow to be so tall?" These questions evoke both wonder and awe at witnessing the development and blossoming of their children into young adults. The tone of the lyrics suggests a mix of pride, surprise, and a touch of melancholy.


The repeated refrain of "Sunrise, sunset" serves as a reminder that time passes swiftly, echoing the sentiment that days turn into years in the blink of an eye. The analogy of seedlings turning into sunflowers overnight emphasizes the quick pace at which life unfolds and the constant change that occurs. The line "One season following another, laden with happiness and tears" encapsulates the rollercoaster of emotions experienced throughout the journey of life.


In the final verse, the singer contemplates their role in the lives of their grown children. They ponder, "What words of wisdom can I give them? How can I help to ease their way?" This shows a desire to guide and support their children as they navigate life's challenges. The mention of the children looking natural together, like newlyweds, suggests the joy of witnessing their children find love and companionship. The closing lines express a sense of uncertainty about the future, wondering if there is a canopy in store for the singer, implying hopes for love and happiness in their own life.


Overall, "Sunrise Sunset" is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the beauty of growth, and the complexities of parental love. It explores the cyclical nature of life and the emotions experienced as we watch loved ones evolve and embark on their own journey through the years.


Line by Line Meaning

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the same girl I used to hold as a child?


Is this the little boy at play?
Is this the same boy I saw playing around?


I don't remember growing older, When did they?
I haven't noticed their growth, when did it happen?


When did she get to be a beauty?
When did she become so beautiful?


When did he grow to be so tall?
When did he become so tall?


Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
It feels like just yesterday when they were little.


Sunrise, sunset. Sunrise, sunset, Swiftly flow the days.
The days pass by quickly, just like sunrise and sunset.


Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers, Blossoming even as we gaze.
Seeds quickly grow into beautiful sunflowers right before our eyes.


One season following another, Laden with happiness and tears.
Seasons pass one after another, filled with both joy and sadness.


What words of wisdom can I give them?
What advice can I offer them?


How can I help to ease their way?
How can I assist them in their journey?


Now they must learn from one another, Day by day.
Now they have to learn from each other, gradually over time.


They look so natural together, Just like two newlyweds should be.
They appear perfectly suited for each other, like newlyweds.


Is there a canopy in store for me?
Is there a loving future waiting for me?


Sunrise, sunset. Sunrise, sunset, Swiftly fly the years.
As the years pass by quickly, just like sunrise and sunset.


One season following another, Laden with happiness and tears.
Seasons continue, carrying both joy and sadness.




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
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