He came to greatest prominence in the role of Tevye the milkman in the long-running musical show Fiddler on the Roof, at Her Majesty's Theatre.[1] After scoring a major success on the West End stage, he later starred in the 1971 film version.
In 1972 Topol won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the film. He was on active service with the Israeli army at the time, but was granted permission to attend the awards ceremonies.
Some of his other notable appearances were in Galileo (1975), Flash Gordon (1980), and the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only (1981).
His autobiography, "Chaim Topol on Topol" was published in London and Israel.
Sunrise Sunset
Topol Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
"Sunrise Sunset" is a reflective and nostalgic song that captures the passage of time and the bittersweet emotions that come with witnessing the growth and changes of loved ones. The opening lines express the disbelief and awe of a parent seeing their children growing up before their eyes. The lyrics evoke a sense of time slipping away quickly, as the singer questions when exactly these transformations occurred. The song emphasizes the transience of life by comparing the rapid growth of children to the swift passage of days and years.
The chorus, "Sunrise, sunset, swiftly flow the days," highlights the cyclical and relentless nature of time. It reminds us that just as the seasons change, so do the stages of life. The metaphor of seedlings turning into sunflowers represents the natural progression and development of individuals. As the children blossom and evolve, the singer acknowledges the joy and pride accompanied by the inevitable mix of happiness and tears.
The end of the song shifts the focus from the children to the singer's own contemplation. The lyrics express a desire to impart wisdom and guidance to the grown-up children, acknowledging the role reversal that takes place as children become adults. The final lines also introduce a touch of humor and curiosity as the singer wonders if there is still happiness and fulfillment awaiting them in the future, perhaps symbolized by a wedding canopy.
Overall, "Sunrise Sunset" portrays the universal experience of witnessing the fleeting nature of time, the growth of loved ones, and the longing to make the most of the moments we have.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this the little girl I carried
Is this the same young girl that I used to carry when she was little?
Is this the little boy at play?
Is this the same little boy I used to see playing around?
I don't remember growing older
I don't recall the process of getting older
When did they?
At what point in time did they grow older?
When did she get to be a beauty
At what moment did she become so beautiful?
When did he grow to be so tall?
At what point did he become so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
It feels like just yesterday when they were little
Sunrise, sunset
The passing of time from morning to evening
Swiftly flow the days
The days pass by quickly
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Young, growing plants transform into beautiful sunflowers in a short time
Blossoming even as we gaze
They continue to bloom right before our eyes
What words of wisdom can I give them
What wise advice can I offer to guide them?
How can I help to ease their way?
How can I assist in making their journey smoother?
Now they must learn from one another
They now need to gain knowledge and understanding from each other
Day by day
Gradually, one day at a time
They look so natural together
They appear to be a perfect match
Just like two newlyweds should be
Exactly how two recently married individuals ought to be
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Could there be a celebration or joyous event awaiting me?
Sunrise, sunset
The passing of time from morning to evening
Swiftly fly the years
The years pass by swiftly
One season following another
Each season is followed by the next
Laiden with happiness and tears
Carrying 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
@DauntlessEagle1776
+Nicole Olivier yes, I know what you mean, As a Kid I ;loved this musical. I lived this man life and later worked 20 year in the USAF and 7 Year in Baghdad, Iraq when I discovered something quite shocking. I had wasted my life believing a huge lie on all western nations.... you will not understand my Warning if you do not see these two YOUTUBES... Everything we were taught is a LIE.
Benjamin Freeman 1961 Speech
And
In the shadow of Hermes.... ( the truth about the Soviet Revolution of 1917)
Fiddler on the roof is about Tragedy and lives taken and murdered.......Right?
@hubertpretkiewicz544
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 sunflower.
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 the newly - weds should be
Is there a canopy in store for me.
Sunrise sunset...
@ahleesay
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
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
@rickramos1292
Chaim Topol has passed away this day at the age of 87. May he rest in peace. He will be missed for his talent, his performances, and goodwill. I saw him in a production of this show back in the 90's. I feel privileged to have been able to catch one of his many performances in that iconic role.
@theresaheywood9479
Thank you for letting people know. He was.extremley talented he will be missed.
@kathleenwindasgoodwin9165
I had the pleasure of seeing him in London years ago. He was perfect and phenomenal in Fiddler. Great talent!
@juliam.mallen9019
I'm sure he's up in heaven giving the Lord some beautiful special performances!
My condolences and blessings to his family 💕🙏
@jerryisland236
May he rest in peace!
@DrewPritt
May his memory be a blessing.
@belleepoque2544
RIP Chaim Topol, may your memory be a blessing
@mstrainjr
This is such a powerful scene. I love the part when the camera is going to all the different faces in the crowd and you see the emotion on their faces. Such wonderful acting without a single word said.
@NickJay
+M. Strain Jr. I totally agree with you but the power of the song is amazing. I love it and so emotional. Like others I find it hard keeping the tears (of joy) back - beautiful.
@Ignauhak
The director has clearly done a good job here, because so much thought is eminating forth from their very eyes. He must have told them what to think and really allowed them time to let it consume them ^_^