Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).
As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.
He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.
Turn Around
Perry Como Lyrics
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Turnaround and you're a young girl going out of the door!
Where are you goin' my little one, little one,
Where are you goin' my baby, my own?
Turnaround and you're two, turnaround and you're four,
Turnaround and you're a young girl going out of the door!
Turnaround and you're a young girl . . .
Going out of the door!
Where are you going my little one, little one,
Little dirndls and petticoats, where have you gone?
Turnaround and you're tiny, turnaround and you're grown,
Turnaround and you're a young wife with babes of your own!
Turnaround, ( turnaround! )
Turnaround and you're a young wife . . .
With babes of your own!
With babes of your own . . . ( turnaround! )
Words and Music by Alan Green, Harry Belafonte
And Malvina Reynolds
Perry Como's song "Turn Around" is a reflective and sentimental piece about the passing of time and the swift changes that come with it, particularly in the lives of children who grow up too quickly. The lyrics speak to a parent or caregiver, asking where the little one is going as they turn around and suddenly find themselves grown up and leaving the door, the house, and eventually starting a family of their own. The emotional impact of this inevitability is amplified by the repetition of the phrase "turnaround," emphasizing the speed with which life moves forward and making the listener consider their own journey through life.
The opening lines of the song set the stage for what is to follow. The singer speaks to a young child, asking where they are going as they leave the house. The use of the diminutive form "little one" and "my baby, my own" conveys a sense of tenderness and protectiveness over the child. The lyrics then move to the chorus, repeating the phrase "turnaround" to emphasize how quickly time passes. The next verse moves through stages of a child's growth, from toddler to teenager, and once again emphasizes how quickly each of these stages passes. The final verse sets up the emotional climax of the song, as the child now grown up is imagined with children of their own, bringing the cycle of life full circle.
Overall, "Turn Around" is a poignant reflection on the transience of life, the inevitability of change, and the preciousness of the time we have with those we love. By focusing on the growth of a child and the ways in which they change and leave our lives, the lyrics encourage the listener to cherish every moment and to hold close the memories that matter.
Line by Line Meaning
Turnaround, turnaround,
Life goes quickly and unexpectedly. Just when you think you have the hang of things, it's time to turn around and start anew.
Turnaround and you're a young girl going out of the door!
The years have passed in a blink of an eye, and it feels as though just yesterday, you were a young girl, eager and ready to face the world.
Where are you goin' my little one, little one,
As you venture out into the world, I, your protector, become concerned and wonder where you are headed.
Where are you goin' my baby, my own?
Despite the fact that you are growing up and moving forward, you will always be my baby, my precious child.
Turnaround and you're two, turnaround and you're four,
Time seems to pass in the blink of an eye, and before you know it, your age is measured in the number of years that have gone by.
Turnaround and you're a young girl going out of the door!
Just as quickly as time passes, you are growing more and more independent, ready to take on the world on your own.
Little dirndls and petticoats, where have you gone?
As you mature and grow older, you, my once little child, have traded in your childish garments for more sophisticated clothing, signaling that you are now a young adult with your own sense of style.
Turnaround and you're tiny, turnaround and you're grown,
In a short amount of time, you have gone from a small child to a full-grown adult, with all the experiences and lessons learned along the way.
Turnaround and you're a young wife with babes of your own!
As you continue onward in your journey, you will eventually find yourself in a new role, as a wife and mother to your own children, ready to pass on the values and lessons that you learned growing up.
With babes of your own . . . ( turnaround! )
Even as you start this new phase of your life, always remember that time is fleeting, and before you know it, your own children will be fully grown and going out into the world, continuing the cycle of life and growth.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , NEXT DECADE ENTERTAINMENT,INC.
Written by: ALAN GREENE, HARRY BELAFONTE, MALVINA REYNOLDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind