This is the original song that the annoying English language cover "Seasons of the Sun" by Terry Jacks was based on. Same melody, with a loose translation. Brel's song has much more heart and melancholy without the irritating key changes.
Man, that was fascinating. It's long, but I read it all. I remember hearing "Seasons in the Sun" on the radio in the 70s and because it was a top 10 hit, the DJs played it constantly. I got really sick of it, but I liked the earnest and sincere message in they lyrics. I got really tired of the chorus and the key changes annoyed me, but it's still a good song. I can absolutely see Jacks' frustration in working with Brian Wilson in the early 70s. At the time, Wilson was a perfectionist and had a hard time letting anything go. It's why he didn't finish his "Smile" project until more than 30 years later.
Yes, "macabre" is a good way to describe Brel's lyrics. I think Rod McKuen did them an injustice when he translated them, but he rendered them in a way that would be palatable for an American and Canadian audience, so I won't judge him harshly.
In the US, Jacks was a one-hit wonder, and I'm glad it worked out for him. I'm also glad he found the Lord in the process. He seems to be a good and decent man.
HughBriss 1 points 2.7 years ago
Man, that was fascinating. It's long, but I read it all. I remember hearing "Seasons in the Sun" on the radio in the 70s and because it was a top 10 hit, the DJs played it constantly. I got really sick of it, but I liked the earnest and sincere message in they lyrics. I got really tired of the chorus and the key changes annoyed me, but it's still a good song. I can absolutely see Jacks' frustration in working with Brian Wilson in the early 70s. At the time, Wilson was a perfectionist and had a hard time letting anything go. It's why he didn't finish his "Smile" project until more than 30 years later.
Yes, "macabre" is a good way to describe Brel's lyrics. I think Rod McKuen did them an injustice when he translated them, but he rendered them in a way that would be palatable for an American and Canadian audience, so I won't judge him harshly.
In the US, Jacks was a one-hit wonder, and I'm glad it worked out for him. I'm also glad he found the Lord in the process. He seems to be a good and decent man.