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Lotte Lenya Lyrics


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Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December
But the days grow short when you reach September
When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn't got time for the waiting game

Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
September, November
And these few precious days I'll spend with you
These precious days I'll spend with you





Overall Meaning

Lotte Lenya's "September Song" talks about the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The lyrics begin with the lines "Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December, but the days grow short when you reach September." This opening line indicates that life is long, but it progresses quickly, seeming shorter as one grows older. The reference to September symbolizes the end of life, or rather, the end of a year, as autumn leaves turn to flame.


The second verse emphasizes that the few precious days that remain should be spent in a meaningful way or with the right person. It highlights the importance of making the most of the time left, or the valuable memories and relationships that one has created in life. The line "One hasn't got time for the waiting game" further emphasizes the idea that one should not waste time.


With each passing year, we realize how fleeting life is, and the song's lyrics represent a universal sentiment that most people can relate to as they grow older. We have a limited number of days in life, and we should cherish every moment and spend our time wisely. It's a beautiful and poignant reminder to cherish the present and make the most of time while we have it.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December
The period between May and December seems like an eternity.


But the days grow short when you reach September
As the year progresses, time appears to pass more quickly.


When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
The beauty of autumn foliage is caused by the leaves turning colors and eventually falling off the trees.


One hasn't got time for the waiting game
Life is too short to wait around for things to happen.


Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
As we approach the end of the year, there are only a few days left.


September, November
The months of September and November, which are close to the end of the year.


And these few precious days I'll spend with you
The time we have together is limited and valuable, so I want to make the most of it.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kurt Weill, Maxwell Anderson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mubirshu

And for those who stumble upon this clip without knowing who Lotte Lenya was, she also sang the original German version of Mack the Knife (that's why Bobby Darin's version mentions her), and played Rosa Klebb in the 1963 James Bond movie From Russia With Love. She died in 1981 at the age of 83.

@NuisanceMan

She was wonderful.

@davidhennen7045

Thank you, I down 3 to go, thank you!

@irenemwrench8594

She was married to Kurt Weil who wrote the music.

@mbrattoo

This is bizarre in a cool way. I'm used to Morrison's voice on this one but, this is really good.

@atanazy83

Jim emulate her voice really good!

@luizlutyalmeida9126

Que obra prima!!!!!

@mikelisacarb

I've been reading "The Partnership", and this "Alabama Song"is presented as the first joint project that Brecht and Weill worked on together, way back in 1927.  Weill had a commission to present an opera in Baden Baden, and he ditched his current project because he was so unbelievably excited to set Brecht's poetry to music and present it as an innovative new opera.  I haven't had a chance to read far enough to be sure, but I believe that this turned into "Mahogonny".  The book is quite good.  I've always wanted to know more about these two powerhouses of musical theater!

@davidmehnert6206

The first production was in Baden (Rouletteberg) in 1928 and began with the sound of a gunshot, the first scene set in a boxing ring —

If there’s more to the story, inquire of Elizabeth Hauptmann... she would say, « I remember it exactly as it was written », and her archifes are somewhee I’m sur

@jimmeven1120

@David Mehnert Here's a good fun fact (you probably both know this already if you've read The Partnership). The words of the Alabama Song and the Benares Song from Mahagonny are the work of Hauptmann, not Brecht. He didn't know any English at the time. Hauptmann was half American.

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