This was originally a french song by a Belgian poet, Jacques Brel called "Le Moribond" (The Dying Man). In Brel's version he calls out an old friend he had grown up with who had been cheating with his wife, saying that he supposes he will take care of her once he's gone even though he doesn't like him anymore. American poet Rod McKuen translated the lyrics to English in 1963 and performed it on TV. In 1964 The Kingston Trio released the first English version of the song. Then Terry Jacks adapted this version and thought it would be perfect for The Beach Boys and they recorded it in 1971 but never released it so Jacks released it in 1973 and sold 14 million copies. The Beach Boys finally released their version in their 2021 box set. Many other artists have covered it including Nirvana, with Kurt Cobain saying they were the most interesting lyrics he'd ever heard.
When I was in high school, I decided to buy the 45 of this song to be played at my funeral. I'm 65 now and I still have that 45 that lived in my safety deposit box for decades, even though the song is still readily available. I wanted a daughter named Michelle. In 2017, I had cancer but still going strong. You just can't kill weeds as my grandma used to say.
@@deniseriley6622, sorry to hear of your brother's loss. I hold on to the memories of those who have left because that keeps them fresh in our minds. Memories will always be there for us. 😂 🤗
You’d be best checking the Wikipedia page for the song Seasons in the sun because it’s a long explanation but to summarise it was based on his friend who was dying of leukaemia
Basically a wild and free person saying goodbye to the people he loves and telling them he will be in their memories and where to see him in the world when he is gone.
This is a translation from a French song called Le Moribond (“The Dying Man”), the Kingston Trio recorded the first English version ten years before Terry Jacks did.
When I study those French lyrics, I'm pretty sure he's saying he's going to kill himself because his wife is having an affair with Antoine. It's both funny and really, really dark.
@@einahsirro1488 i just did a google.. the reason they are different is because originally they were translated and then Terry Jacks changed the lyrics for his friend who was dying. there is similarity but they are not the same.. and frankly I think terrys is a better version.
When we were in elementary school, we used to sing a little differently. We had joy, we had sun , we were streakers in the sun but cops the had the gun and shot us where it stung. 😂
There was a trend in the 50s, 60s and 70s for somewhat morbid songs. Honey by Bobby Goldsboro was one, and The Leader of the Pack by the Shangri Las was another. This was a later example. I always took it as a farewell message from a young man who was dying, maybe of some terminal illness, but I've also heard people suggest he was on death row for something, as he says he was the black sheep of the family. I don't know which interpretation is correct, but the lyrics have haunted me for 50 years.
A classic 70's song. I remember this was on the radio all of the time. I was 5 years old and if you were driving in the car or listening to a transistor radio you could bet this song was playing.
Terry Jacks is a Canadian singer songwriter. He was part of the "Chessman" back in the 60's in my hometown of Vancouver B.C. Later Terry & his wife Susan formed "The Poppy Family". They had several hits in Canada & internationally. Their biggest was "Which Way You Goin' Billy?" Terry recorded "Seasons In The Sun" in 1973. He had some other songs such as "If You Go Away" & "Rock 'N' Roll (I Gave You the Best Years of My Life)". He wrote & recorded a number of other songs & went on to produce for many well known artists.
A guilty pleasure from my early childhood. I bought this single at some point as well. My sister loved it and although I was into harder stuff at the time, and she was later of course, but this one still gets to me to this day. It's just such a well-written song and the way it's delivered and recorded here is just perfect for the 70s.
Yeah, this was huge at the time. One hit Wonder as a solo Artist but had several hits with his wife while within 'The Poppy Family'. Check out 'Where Evil Grows' a song he did solo and with 'The Poppy Family'. Other great Poppy Family Songs; 'Which Way You Going Billy', 'That's Where I Went Wrong', 'I Thought Of You Again' and 'Beyond The Clouds'. Most Poppy Family songs feature Terry's beautiful wife 'Susan Jacks' on vocals, she has some great solo work as well... Check out 'Susan Jacks - Anna Marie' Cheers.
He actually offered this song to Brian Wilson but he said The Beach Boys were going in a different direction--his paperboy heard him playing it and convinced him to record it himself
Omg, this is the 1st time seeing u react to this particular song & it’s extremely ironic that I had to put my cat down 10/10/2024 and made a FB story with this audio. I’m crying rn
Another talented boy from Winnipeg. Check out some of his other songs with wife Susan, they were called The Poppy Family, one of their hits was "Where Evil Grows"
You should check out Westlife's version of this song. Nice updated cover. From what I have read about this song, It was dedicated to one of his friends who was dying from leukemia.
The song was released in 1974 and I'm glad you seem in an 'up' mood - 'cuz it's a rather sad song. Your interpretation shows your positive view of life in general. I've always taken the song literally - he knows he's dying and this is his farewell to his friend, his father & his lover. Next time you're feeling upbeat enough, listen to Home Free's cover of "Brothers in Arms" - but only if you're feeling good.
This is how we did it back then, We would hear it on the Radio 📻 , then go to the record shop and get a copy. Also I would get records from my Capital Record Club Membership. This song composed by Jacques Brel, He wrote this to his wife, priest, and Antione who cheated with his wife! Peace ✌️ and Love ❤Gary 😊great reaction 🤣 say HI to Kitty 😺
Brings back memories. I was a freshman in high school in Tennessee in 1974. Our school bus had an 8-track tape, and the driver loved this song. So, I heard it nearly every morning.
Back then, all you had was personal appearances and air time on the radio. It was up to the DJs how often these records were played. Even now, a LOT of great songs never get air time. You only hear them when you bought the album.
Such a great tune. The very first 45 I bought when I was about 9 or 10. (Ask your folks what a 45 is. Hint: You don't shoot it. Or drink it. You listen to it.) Thus began a lifelong fascination with Songs About Dying People. Today, I have thousands. Really weird stuff, too. And it all started with this one. I am *so* old.
This song HAUNTS me from my childhood. I was 9 when it came out. It made me really contemplate death, probably for the first time. I knew every word. You couldn't turn the radio on without hearing it. Shon if you want another good 70s trip try Paper Lace "The Night Chicago Died." I think it's your jam.
This too is my funeral song my best friend for many years cried hearing this, I'm my dads only child but i was the black amongst my half siblings, My daughters middle name is Michelle.
This song was derived from a french chanson, written and performed by the famous Jacques Brel: "Le Moribond". Listen to the original: ruclips.net/video/cXAKq5QvX4k/видео.html
Any older British football fans will remember the chorus with altered words - We had joy we had fun we had (insert name of bitter rivals) on the run, But the fun didn't last 'cos the b*stards ran too fast. In my case the bitter rivals were either Oxford or Tottenham depending if I was with friends from Swindon, or had gone to London for some fun on a different level. Happy memories of a misspent youth...
You're a really quick wit, but I think you're just trying to look too deep for this one. I think it's just a dying dude saying goodbye to his loved ones. He addresses his friend and talks about their adventures, and chasing girls, and so on. "Pretty girls are everywhere, think of me and I'll be there." When his friend is still doing the things they both did together, he can just think of him and it'll be like he's still there. He addresses his father and talks about his rebellious nature and how his father tried to teach him better. "Little children everywhere, when you see them I'll be there." You have to think of that line from the perspective of his father seeing these children. He raised this guy. His father is still going to see him as his child. He addresses his daughter and talks about how much she helped correct his path and general disposition in life. "With the flowers everywhere, I wish that we could both be there." He wishes he could still be there for her. It's a super sad song, but doesn't have some kind of deep meaning that changes the whole thing. It's just a song that's very emotionally impactful in a sad way. The seasons in the sun represent the passage of time, which ultimately summarize his whole life. It's hard to die while everything is still happening all around you and without you. All of his loved ones are going to continue on without him, but he still wishes he could be there.
Really enjoyed your reaction to this song which Terry wrote hoping the Beach Boys would record it however they declined and so he recorded it himself. Hi, new subscriber to your channel and really enjoy your reactions! If I may, I have a suggestion for a video for you to react to that I think you'll find amazing. Please check out Runaway Train by Soul Asylum, here is the link: ruclips.net/video/NRtvqT_wMeY/видео.html
Yeah being a kids was nice. Look at it like this. At some point in your life you went outside just to play with your friends no knowing it was the last time. And you did not even know it.
I was listening to mostly Country and Oldies in the mid-80s when I first discovered this song. I was around 10-11, and it really touched me, even then.
This was originally a french song by a Belgian poet, Jacques Brel called "Le Moribond" (The Dying Man). In Brel's version he calls out an old friend he had grown up with who had been cheating with his wife, saying that he supposes he will take care of her once he's gone even though he doesn't like him anymore.
American poet Rod McKuen translated the lyrics to English in 1963 and performed it on TV. In 1964 The Kingston Trio released the first English version of the song.
Then Terry Jacks adapted this version and thought it would be perfect for The Beach Boys and they recorded it in 1971 but never released it so Jacks released it in 1973 and sold 14 million copies. The Beach Boys finally released their version in their 2021 box set.
Many other artists have covered it including Nirvana, with Kurt Cobain saying they were the most interesting lyrics he'd ever heard.
When I was in high school, I decided to buy the 45 of this song to be played at my funeral. I'm 65 now and I still have that 45 that lived in my safety deposit box for decades, even though the song is still readily available. I wanted a daughter named Michelle. In 2017, I had cancer but still going strong. You just can't kill weeds as my grandma used to say.
My husband has it as a song for his funeral too❤
Great story! Thanks for telling! And your Nan sounds awesome.
We played this at my brother's funeral in 2001, per his request. He passed away from cancer at the young age of 45.😢
@@deniseriley6622, sorry to hear of your brother's loss. I hold on to the memories of those who have left because that keeps them fresh in our minds. Memories will always be there for us. 😂 🤗
@@lingoman1 thank you and I feel the same way.
For another sad song, try 'Honey' by Bobby Goldsboro.
I haven't heard this song in anout 50 years.
You’d be best checking the Wikipedia page for the song Seasons in the sun because it’s a long explanation but to summarise it was based on his friend who was dying of leukaemia
Is a french song , This is a cover
@@jamesbondbond8388 yes I know that’s why I said check the Wikipedia page to get full context
crying? I'm not crying, you're crying. I only cry when I here this song on days that end in Y.
I didn’t cry on February 30th!
Basically a wild and free person saying goodbye to the people he loves and telling them he will be in their memories and where to see him in the world when he is gone.
Me - I was one of those millions - played it over and over ❤❤❤ Thanks for the memories you brought back for me ❤❤❤
For 50 years people have loved this song - and wondered what it was all about.
this song always makes me cry
Born in '69, we grew up with this 45, played it over and over. Hits hard still.
'69 as well. And it hits much harder now. So many of these songs do.
We played this at my brothers funeral. He made the Playlist because he knew he was dying from cancer. ❤😢
😥❤
I love seeing your kitty cat in the window!
Ironically Terry Jacks is still alive. This is on my potential funerary playlist, haha.
Great memories from a simpler life,and when love abounds! Tyvm❤❤❤
This is a translation from a French song called Le Moribond (“The Dying Man”), the Kingston Trio recorded the first English version ten years before Terry Jacks did.
When I study those French lyrics, I'm pretty sure he's saying he's going to kill himself because his wife is having an affair with Antoine. It's both funny and really, really dark.
@@einahsirro1488 i just did a google.. the reason they are different is because originally they were translated and then Terry Jacks changed the lyrics for his friend who was dying. there is similarity but they are not the same.. and frankly I think terrys is a better version.
Love this song. Brings back memories and tears. 🌞😢
When we were in elementary school, we used to sing a little differently.
We had joy, we had sun , we were streakers in the sun but cops the had the gun and shot us where it stung. 😂
Beautiful song and the kitten is so sweet 😻
There was a trend in the 50s, 60s and 70s for somewhat morbid songs. Honey by Bobby Goldsboro was one, and The Leader of the Pack by the Shangri Las was another. This was a later example. I always took it as a farewell message from a young man who was dying, maybe of some terminal illness, but I've also heard people suggest he was on death row for something, as he says he was the black sheep of the family. I don't know which interpretation is correct, but the lyrics have haunted me for 50 years.
For really morbid try DOA by Bloodrock and Timothy by The Buoys.
Leader of the Pack ... the trauma that inflicted on a child's ears! 😢😅
Love the channel Shon!
What we called Bubble Gum pop. Only had 2 AM stations and after hearing it over 50 times, this was pure torture
14 when this came out, on holiday with my best friend's family, we were singing along with this on the radio ❤❤❤
This song came out when I was in 5th grade. Everyone had the 45 and played it over and over. It was a tear-fest. Such a beautiful sad song.
I could be wrong but I believe the song is just about memories of growing up and losing someone you've loved.
Death twitches my ear. 'Live', he says, 'I am coming.' ~Virgil
A classic 70's song. I remember this was on the radio all of the time. I was 5 years old and if you were driving in the car or listening to a transistor radio you could bet this song was playing.
Terry Jacks is a Canadian singer songwriter. He was part of the "Chessman" back in the 60's in my hometown of Vancouver B.C. Later Terry & his wife Susan formed "The Poppy Family". They had several hits in Canada & internationally. Their biggest was "Which Way You Goin' Billy?" Terry recorded "Seasons In The Sun" in 1973. He had some other songs such as "If You Go Away" & "Rock 'N' Roll (I Gave You the Best Years of My Life)". He wrote & recorded a number of other songs & went on to produce for many well known artists.
I haven't heard Which Way You Goin' Billy in a long time. Thanks for the reminder!
This speaks to the variety of original music back then. You could jam to anything.
I was 14 when this came out. It was a huge hit! I had forgotten all about it. Thanks for stirring up beautiful memories.💖✨💫
I was 12 when this was dropped. I have had an ear worm of this song many times
A guilty pleasure from my early childhood. I bought this single at some point as well. My sister loved it and although I was into harder stuff at the time, and she was later of course, but this one still gets to me to this day. It's just such a well-written song and the way it's delivered and recorded here is just perfect for the 70s.
Yeah, this was huge at the time. One hit Wonder as a solo Artist but had several hits with his wife while within 'The Poppy Family'.
Check out 'Where Evil Grows' a song he did solo and with 'The Poppy Family'.
Other great Poppy Family Songs; 'Which Way You Going Billy', 'That's Where I Went Wrong', 'I Thought Of You Again' and 'Beyond The Clouds'.
Most Poppy Family songs feature Terry's beautiful wife 'Susan Jacks' on vocals, she has some great solo work as well...
Check out 'Susan Jacks - Anna Marie'
Cheers.
He also had a big hit with Summer (The First Time). I forgot about that one earlier.
He actually offered this song to Brian Wilson but he said The Beach Boys were going in a different direction--his paperboy heard him playing it and convinced him to record it himself
Omg, this is the 1st time seeing u react to this particular song & it’s extremely ironic that I had to put my cat down 10/10/2024 and made a FB story with this audio. I’m crying rn
The 70s has lots of good storytellers in music.
I love this song as a kid, and I love the Me First and the Gimme Gimmes punk rock version
Another talented boy from Winnipeg. Check out some of his other songs with wife Susan, they were called The Poppy Family, one of their hits was "Where Evil Grows"
One hit wonder,but makes me thank of my youth, and my name is Michelle ❤
He was NOT a one hit wonder! Do some research.
Kitty!!!! Great song but glad to see kitty again. Please make a post of introducing us to your critters!!!
You should check out Westlife's version of this song. Nice updated cover. From what I have read about this song, It was dedicated to one of his friends who was dying from leukemia.
He’s dying and saying good bye to his loved ones before he dies .
I was about 10 when I heard this. My uncle had the record. I don’t know why but it spoke to me at a young age and it’s one of my favorite songs
❤❤ I've loved this song since I was a little kid❤❤
The singer is talking about how he is going to be dying and he wants to say bye to everyone
The song was released in 1974 and I'm glad you seem in an 'up' mood - 'cuz it's a rather sad song. Your interpretation shows your positive view of life in general. I've always taken the song literally - he knows he's dying and this is his farewell to his friend, his father & his lover. Next time you're feeling upbeat enough, listen to Home Free's cover of "Brothers in Arms" - but only if you're feeling good.
I always thought this was a song about a soldier during Vietnam.
^.^
Never occurred to me.
Interesting.
Great one hit wonder.
You need to listen to Whick Way You Going Billy, with Susan Jacks (one of my dearest friends, bless her soul)
things you SHOULD say before you die to ones you love....tomorrow may be too late
This is how we did it back then, We would hear it on the Radio 📻 , then go to the record shop and get a copy. Also I would get records from my Capital Record Club Membership. This song composed by Jacques Brel, He wrote this to his wife, priest, and Antione who cheated with his wife! Peace ✌️ and Love ❤Gary 😊great reaction 🤣 say HI to Kitty 😺
This is a great song, one that was very popular during my high school years.
Aside from this awesome song, please check out “Brother Sister” by The Brand New Heavies, even if it’s for your own satisfaction.
This song was popular when I was 10 and my sister and i used to cry every time.
Another Canadian poet. I bought this 45.
Brings back memories. I was a freshman in high school in Tennessee in 1974. Our school bus had an 8-track tape, and the driver loved this song. So, I heard it nearly every morning.
I was around 8 when this song came out out, and it hit me to the core, still does.
Back then, all you had was personal appearances and air time on the radio. It was up to the DJs how often these records were played. Even now, a LOT of great songs never get air time. You only hear them when you bought the album.
Cute little kitty in the background there Shon. Name?
Gotta hear "Where Evil Grows" by The Poppy Family
Check out Honey by Bobby Goldsboro.
Tear jerker for sure
Such a great tune. The very first 45 I bought when I was about 9 or 10. (Ask your folks what a 45 is. Hint: You don't shoot it. Or drink it. You listen to it.) Thus began a lifelong fascination with Songs About Dying People. Today, I have thousands. Really weird stuff, too. And it all started with this one. I am *so* old.
This song HAUNTS me from my childhood. I was 9 when it came out. It made me really contemplate death, probably for the first time. I knew every word. You couldn't turn the radio on without hearing it. Shon if you want another good 70s trip try Paper Lace "The Night Chicago Died." I think it's your jam.
This too is my funeral song my best friend for many years cried hearing this, I'm my dads only child but i was the black amongst my half siblings, My daughters middle name is Michelle.
love it
I was 13 when this song came out. Love it ❤✌🏻🇨🇦
One hit wonder. I remember when this came out but never heard another from him after.
This song brings back memories from when I was at summer camp on the chesapeake bay.
Check out The Travellings Wilburys, End of the Line..
Thank you for all of your great reactions !❤
This song was derived from a french chanson, written and performed by the famous Jacques Brel: "Le Moribond". Listen to the original: ruclips.net/video/cXAKq5QvX4k/видео.html
It was a huge hit when I was in high school. I never could understand that because it was so depressing.
I remember when this came out (I was 18 years old), it was played on the local radio stations many times hourly.
Any older British football fans will remember the chorus with altered words -
We had joy we had fun we had (insert name of bitter rivals) on the run,
But the fun didn't last 'cos the b*stards ran too fast.
In my case the bitter rivals were either Oxford or Tottenham depending if I was with friends from Swindon, or had gone to London for some fun on a different level.
Happy memories of a misspent youth...
So beautiful and sad, thanks Shon
❤❤❤❤❤
Favorite song in the 3rd grade and still is one of my favorites.
I never new the true meaning behind the song but I thought it was about a soldier that died in Vietnam but that was a guess
THREE STRANGE DAYS
WITH INTRO
SCHOOL OF FISH
How about Buffy Ste. Marie “Now that the Buffalo’s gone” or “My Country tis of thy people, were dying “
I had this 45 ❤
I bought my 45 @ Southland shopping center ❤😢😊
We all grew up thinking it was his little sister
❤❤❤❤❤ legendary
You need to play the song me and you and a dog named boo😊
I was 11 in 74 had the 45 🖤
❤❤Shon...you should check out Lobo BABY, I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME. Great song !
If you liked this one, check out Bobby Goldsboro, honey and summer the first time
hes the one that is dyeing.
☮️💙💙💙🔥😎🌞
Such a sad song
💔
Please react to "Smiling Faces" by the Undisputed Truth
You're a really quick wit, but I think you're just trying to look too deep for this one. I think it's just a dying dude saying goodbye to his loved ones. He addresses his friend and talks about their adventures, and chasing girls, and so on. "Pretty girls are everywhere, think of me and I'll be there." When his friend is still doing the things they both did together, he can just think of him and it'll be like he's still there. He addresses his father and talks about his rebellious nature and how his father tried to teach him better. "Little children everywhere, when you see them I'll be there." You have to think of that line from the perspective of his father seeing these children. He raised this guy. His father is still going to see him as his child. He addresses his daughter and talks about how much she helped correct his path and general disposition in life. "With the flowers everywhere, I wish that we could both be there." He wishes he could still be there for her. It's a super sad song, but doesn't have some kind of deep meaning that changes the whole thing. It's just a song that's very emotionally impactful in a sad way. The seasons in the sun represent the passage of time, which ultimately summarize his whole life. It's hard to die while everything is still happening all around you and without you. All of his loved ones are going to continue on without him, but he still wishes he could be there.
P.S. If it makes it easier for you, think of it as maybe he's off to Viet Nam or has a terminal illness. I went with the illness, but I was 9.
Canadian, like his sister Susan. Like me. After hearing this thing 10,000 times on the radio,
I couldn't listen to it any more. Came to despise it!
Really enjoyed your reaction to this song which Terry wrote hoping the Beach Boys would record it however they declined and so he recorded it himself. Hi, new subscriber to your channel and really enjoy your reactions! If I may, I have a suggestion for a video for you to react to that I think you'll find amazing. Please check out Runaway Train by Soul Asylum, here is the link: ruclips.net/video/NRtvqT_wMeY/видео.html
Yeah being a kids was nice. Look at it like this. At some point in your life you went outside just to play with your friends no knowing it was the last time. And you did not even know it.
I think Michelle might be his girlfriend. He doesn't seem like a guy who is a husband and father.
I was listening to mostly Country and Oldies in the mid-80s when I first discovered this song. I was around 10-11, and it really touched me, even then.
It’s a cover of this: ruclips.net/video/Hdu3kw8yAxk/видео.htmlsi=RZ-ozLCXcambGhge
C'mon man! 😑
It’s sad