Autumn
Yehudi Menuhin; Jerzy Maksymiuk: Polish Chamber Orchestra Lyrics
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The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
C'est une chanson, qui nous ressemble
Toi tu m'aimais et je t'aimais
Nous vivions tous deux ensemble
Toi qui m'aimais moi qui t'aimais
Mais la vie separe ceux qui s'aiment
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants desunis
The lyrics of Yehudi Menuhin & Stephane Grappelli's song Autumn Leaves are a poignant reflection of lost love and the passage of time. The falling leaves outside the window serve as a metaphor for the changing seasons and the transience of life, as the singer recalls the summer kisses and warm embrace of a former lover. As autumn turns to winter, the singer is left feeling alone and empty, missing their darling the most. The French lyrics in the middle of the song offer a similar message, as the singer reflects on a past love that they cherished, but ultimately lost to the slow and steady passage of time.
The melancholy tone of Autumn Leaves has made it a classic, with versions recorded by a number of artists such as Nat King Cole, Barbra Streisand, and Frank Sinatra. It was originally composed by Joseph Kosma for the 1946 French film "Les Portes de la Nuit" and the English lyrics were written by Johnny Mercer. The song has a long history, having been recorded in more than twenty different languages since its inception. Despite its age, however, the message of Autumn Leaves remains relevant today, as people continue to face the heartbreak of lost love and the inevitable passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
The falling leaves drift by the window
The leaves fall and dance by the window as the season changes.
The autumn leaves of red and gold
The leaves that fall in autumn have a striking blend of red and gold on them.
I see your lips, the summer kisses
I reminisce about the kisses we shared during summer when I look at your lips.
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
I miss holding your hands, which used to be sun-kissed and warm from the summer sun.
Since you went away the days grow long
The days seem never-ending since you left me.
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
Winter is approaching, and soon I'll be reminded of the cold, lonely season without you.
But I miss you most of all my darling
Out of everything, my heart longs for you the most, my beloved.
When autumn leaves start to fall
My heart aches the most when I see the leaves falling in autumn, reminding me of your absence.
C'est une chanson, qui nous ressemble
This is a song that reflects us and our love story.
Toi tu m'aimais et je t'aimais
You loved me, and I loved you in return.
Nous vivions tous deux ensemble
We lived together in harmony and happiness.
Toi qui m'aimais moi qui t'aimais
You loved me, and I loved you in equal measure.
Mais la vie separe ceux qui s'aiment
But life has a way of separating those who love each other.
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
It happens slowly, without any noise or warning.
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants desunis
And the sea washes away the footprints of separated lovers on the sand.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CLAUDIO MERLINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind