She is best known for her Christmas song "No Christmas for me", which became a YouTube success in 2007. Zee Avi on this song: “This song was inspired by everything i’ve experienced/read/watched/heard of from movies or stories, about one’s lover being far away for Christmas, be it serving in the army, college, another country, peace corps etc… In a way, it’s also about not losing hope. (…) The words in this one are simple and direct. (…) I stayed with the ‘silent movie feel’ as i think it suits the song.”
Zee Avi's debut album 'Zee Avi' was released May 19, 2009.
The Circle Game
Zee Avi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like when you're older must appease him
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
And they tell him take your time it won't be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There'll be good dreams maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
"The Circle Game" by Zee Avi beautifully captures the passage of time and the stages of life through the metaphor of a carousel ride. In the opening verses, the song describes a child who experiences the wonders and fears of the world. The child's innocence and curiosity are symbolized by catching a dragonfly and being moved by natural phenomena like thunder and falling stars. These experiences shape the child's perception of the world and ignite a sense of wonder and vulnerability.
As the child grows older and moves through the seasons, the lyrics highlight the transitions from childhood into adolescence and eventually adulthood. The imagery of skating over frozen streams and being comforted by promises of the future conveys the inevitability of time passing and the bittersweet longing for the simplicity of youth. The repetition of the phrase "when you're older must appease him" reflects society's tendency to dismiss the concerns and dreams of the young, urging them to wait for maturity and experience.
The song then delves into the passage of time as the child becomes a young adult, with sixteen springs and summers giving way to new responsibilities and challenges. The lyrics suggest a sense of urgency and inevitability in growing up, symbolized by the transition from cartwheels to car wheels and the advice to "take your time it won't be long now." Despite the passage of time, there is a recognition that dreams may change and evolve, hinting at the shifting nature of aspirations and goals as one matures.
In the final verses, the song reflects on the passage of time as the once-young boy turns twenty and confronts the reality of his dreams coming true, albeit with some loss of grandeur. The lyrics emphasize the cyclical nature of life, with new dreams emerging as old ones fade, and the certainty that time will continue to move forward relentlessly. The carousel metaphor underscores the notion that we are all passengers on the journey of life, unable to turn back but only able to look behind us and appreciate the memories and experiences that have shaped us. Ultimately, "The Circle Game" poignantly captures the universal theme of growth, change, and the cyclical nature of life's journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Once upon a time, a curious child emerged into the world
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Captured a fleeting moment of wonder and beauty
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
Anxious during times of uncertainty or danger
And tearful at the falling of a star
Emotional when something precious ends or fades
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
As time passed, the child experienced cycles of growth and change
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Navigated through life's challenges with grace and determination
Words like when you're older must appease him
Reassurances about the future provide comfort for the child
And promises of someday make his dreams
Hope and aspirations sustain the child's imagination
Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
The passing of time marks significant milestones and memories
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
Childhood activities give way to more grown-up responsibilities
And they tell him take your time it won't be long now
Encouragement to enjoy the present before it slips away
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down
As time speeds up, there's a desire to savor the moments
So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Time marches on, and the child grows into a young adult
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
Reality may not always match youthful expectations
There'll be good dreams maybe better dreams and plenty
Despite setbacks, there are still hopes and ambitions to pursue
Before the last revolving year is through
Before the cycle of another year completes its journey
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joni Mitchell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind