Sunrise Sunset
Topol Norma Crane Paul Michael Glaser Michele Marsh Chorus Isaac Stern and Orchestra 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
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
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
"Sunrise Sunset" is a contemplative song that invites listeners to reflect on the passage of time and the ways in which the people and experiences in our life change and grow over the years. The opening lyrics ask us to reflect anew on the two children who form the beginning and end of the song, wondering when they grew up and how quickly the years have passed. The chorus of "Sunrise Sunset" highlights the flow of time and the inevitability of growth and change, capturing the way that everything in life - from seedlings to relationships - evolves with the passage of time.
The song is ultimately an expression of a parent's love and concern for their children, as evidenced by the questions posed in the verses and the repeated desire to impart "words of wisdom" and "help to ease their way". It's a reminder to cherish the moments of our lives, even as we all move continually from one stage of life to another. Ultimately, the song leaves us with a sense of the richness of human experience, full of both happiness and tears.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this the little girl I carried?
Where has time gone? How did this little girl I once carried in my arms grow up so fast?
Is this the little boy at play?
How did this little boy who used to play with toys grow up to be a young man?
I don't remember growing older
Time has passed so quickly that I don't even recall aging.
When did they?
When did my children stop being children?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did my little girl grow up to be such a stunning young woman?
When did he grow to be so tall?
When did my little boy become a tall and strong young man?
Wasn't it yesterday When they were small?
It feels like just yesterday that my children were tiny and helpless.
Sunrise, sunset Sunrise, sunset
The passing of time is marked by the sun rising and setting.
Swiftly flow the days
Time passes quickly and before we know it, days have turned into weeks, weeks into months, and so on.
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers Blossoming even as we gaze.
Just like how seedlings grow into tall sunflowers seemingly overnight, our children also grow up quickly right before our eyes.
Swiftly fly the years
Time flies so fast and before we know it, years have passed by.
One season following another Laden with happiness and tears
Each passing year brings with it both joys and sorrows.
What words of wisdom can I give them?
As a parent, I wonder what advice I can give my children as they navigate through life.
How can I help to ease their way?
I want to be there for my children and help them in any way I can to make their journey in life easier.
Now they must learn from one another Day by day
As my children grow up, they will learn more from their peers and experiences than from me.
They look so natural together Just like two newlyweds should be
My children are growing up and forming relationships of their own, much like how a newly married couple looks together.
Is there a canopy in store for me?
As my children move on to start their own families, I wonder if there is a place for me in their lives.
Lyrics © BOCK IP LLC, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Sheldon M Harnick
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind