Terry Jacks is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and music producer best known for his hit song “Seasons in the Sun,” which became a worldwide sensation in 1974.
His career spanned various musical genres, including pop, rock, and folk, and he gained significant recognition both as a solo artist and as part of the musical group The Poppy Family.
Despite his success in the music industry, Jacks has led a relatively private life, especially after stepping away from the limelight. While he continued working on various projects behind the scenes, including production work, he has largely remained out of the public eye in recent years.
About the Song
“Seasons in the Sun” is a heartfelt and melancholic song, known for its emotional lyrics and poignant melody.
The song, originally written by Jacques Brel, was adapted into English by Terry Jacks, who turned it into a classic anthem of loss.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | December 1973 |
| Album | Seasons in the Sun |
| Writers | Rod McKuen & Jacques Brel. |
| Producers | Clive Davis & Terry Jacks. |
Seasons In The Sun Lyrics
Verse 1
Goodbye to you, my trusted friend
We’ve known each other since we were nine or ten
Together we’ve climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABC’s
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees
Goodbye my friend, it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Pretty girls are everywhere
Think of me and I’ll be there
Chorus 1
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we climbed
Were just seasons out of time
[Verse 2]
Goodbye Papa, please pray for me
I was the black sheep of the family
You tried to teach me right from wrong
Too much wine and too much song
Wonder how I got along
Goodbye Papa, it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Little children everywhere
When you see them, I’ll be there
Chorus 2
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song
Like the seasons, have all gone
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song
Like the seasons, have all gone
Verse 3
Goodbye Michelle, my little one
You gave me love and helped me find the sun
And every time that I was down
You would always come around
And get my feet back on the ground
Goodbye Michelle, it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
With the flowers everywhere
I wish that we could both be there
Chorus 3
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the stars we could reach
Were just starfish on the beach
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the stars we could reach
Were just starfish on the beach
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song
Like the seasons, have all gone
All our lives, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we climbed
Were just seasons out of time
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
Seasons In The Sun Lyrics by The Westlife
Similar Songs Like Seasons In The Sun
If you are an old rock fan or like that upbeat music, here’s a list of recommendations that you might love to try:
- If You Go Away: It is a melancholic ballad with tender lyrics about love and separation. It showcases Terry Jacks’ ability to convey deep emotions. The song is a cover of Jacques Brel’s original, much like “Seasons in the Sun.”
- Put the Bone In: A song presents a more upbeat and playful tone, yet it still contains themes of longing and self-improvement. It highlights Jack’s versatility, blending humor with his usual sense of loneliness.
- The Love Game: This is a soft, romantic tune with themes of love and longing. Jack’s smooth vocals and evocative lyrics create a wistful mood that fans of his earlier work will appreciate.
Awards for The Song
| Category | Awards |
|---|---|
| 1974 Juno Awards | Best Male Vocalist |
| Best Single (Pop) | |
| Best Single (Contemporary) | |
| 1975 Juno Award | Best Selling Single |
| Commercial Success | Over 14 million copies sold worldwide |
Similar Artists Like Terry Jacks
Here’s a list of similar rock-pop artists like Terry Jacks that you might love to check out:
- Don McLean
Genres: Folk Rock, Pop
Top Albums: American Pie (1971), Tapestry (1971), Don McLean (1972) - Paul Simon
Genres: Folk Rock, Pop
Top Albums: Graceland (1986), Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970), There Goes Rhymin’ Simon (1972) - Barry Manilow
Genres: Pop, Soft Rock
Top Albums: If I Should Love Again (1977), Barry Manilow Live (1977), Even Now (1978) - Jim Croce
Genres: Folk Rock, Pop
Top Albums: You Don’t Mess Around with Jim (1972), Life and Times (1973), I Got a Name (1973)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Song Seasons In The Sun About?
Seasons in the Sun tells the story of a man who is dying and saying goodbye to his loved ones. Terry Jacks’ version focuses on a peaceful farewell and on life’s joys, inspired by his friend Roger, who was dying of leukemia.
How did Terry Jacks’ Version Differ from the Original Seasons In The Sun?
Jack rewrote about one-sixth of the lyrics to soften the tone, making it less macabre and more about joyful memories and peaceful goodbyes, rather than heartbreak and betrayal as in Brel’s original.
Was there any Notable Cover of the Song Seasons In The Sun?
Yes, Westlife’s 1999 cover reached number one in the UK for Christmas and was a major hit, although it did not win any major awards.
