Sunrise, Sunset Lyrics
John Williams
Lyrics
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 by the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly by 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 flow by the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly by the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
Song & Lyrics Facts
The song "Sunrise, Sunset" is a beautiful and touching ballad written by Jerry Bock (music) and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. It was released in 1964 as part of the Broadway cast album for the show.
The version most familiar to listeners was recorded by John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1988, with lyrics sung by Judith Blegen and Jerry Hadley. John Williams' rendition of this classic piece has become one of his signature songs. His arrangement captures the emotion and sentiment of the original perfectly, combining strings and woodwinds to create an atmosphere of nostalgia. This recording was included on the album “John Williams and the Boston Pops Play ‘Fiddler On The Roof’” which was released in 1989. The song's simple yet powerful lyrics tell a story of growing up, making it a timeless favorite among fans of the musical and classical music alike.