Sunrise Sunset
Miriam Karlin 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
Miriam Karlin's song "Sunrise Sunset" reflects on the passing of time and the bittersweet experience of watching loved ones grow and change. The opening lines, "Is this the little girl I carried, Is this the little boy at play?," express the singer's surprise and nostalgia as they observe the transformation of the children they once knew. The repetition of the question "When did they?" emphasizes the singer's realization that time has slipped away unnoticed, and they haven't fully grasped the process of growing older.
The song continues with the observation of the children's physical changes, contemplating when the girl became beautiful and the boy grew tall. The lyrics convey the feeling of astonishment at how quickly time has passed, as if it were just yesterday that the children were small. The repetition of "Sunrise, sunset" signifies the passage of days and years, with the swift flow of time compared to the blooming of sunflowers overnight.
The second verse reflects the singer's desire to offer guidance and support to the children as they navigate their own paths. The lyrics ponder what wisdom and assistance the singer can provide to ease their journey. The line "Now they must learn from one another, day by day" suggests that the singer recognizes the importance of the children finding their own way and gaining wisdom through their own experiences.
The song concludes with the reflection on the children appearing natural together, like newlyweds, which raises the question of whether there is a future for the singer, perhaps alluding to their own longing for companionship and a fulfilling relationship. The repetition of "Sunrise, sunset" and the mention of seasons changing indicate the cyclical nature of life, with each year bringing both happiness and tears.
Overall, "Sunrise Sunset" captures the universal theme of the passing of time and the poignant realization that loved ones, and even ourselves, can change so quickly. It reflects on the beauty and transience of life, inviting listeners to contemplate their own journey and cherish the moments they have.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this the little girl I carried
Is this the same girl I used to hold when she was so small and innocent?
Is this the little boy at play?
Is this the same boy who used to play and have fun?
I don't remember growing older
I don't recall the exact moment when I started getting older
When did they?
When did they both start growing up and becoming adults?
When did she get to be a beauty
At what point did she transform into such a beautiful person?
When did he grow to be so tall?
When did he become so tall and grow up so quickly?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
It feels like it was just yesterday when they were tiny and dependent on us
Sunrise, sunset
The passing of time from morning to night
Swiftly flow the days
The days pass by very quickly
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Just like overnight, young and innocent children grow into vibrant and blossoming adults
Blossoming even as we gaze
They continue to flourish right before our eyes
What words of wisdom can I give them
What advice can I offer them to help guide them through life?
How can I help to ease their way?
What can I do to make their journey through life smoother and less challenging?
Now they must learn from one another
Now, they need to rely on each other for growth and learning
Day by day
Through the passing of each day
They look so natural together
They appear so compatible and comfortable when they are together
Just like two newlyweds should be
They resemble a newly married couple, full of love and happiness
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Is there a wedding celebration or union awaiting me in the future?
Swiftly fly the years
The years pass by quickly, almost as if they're flying
One season following another
Each season comes after another, symbolizing the continuous cycle of life
Laiden with happiness and tears
The journey of life is filled with both joy and sorrow
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