KINGSTON TRIO - Seasons in the Sun (Best Version Ever!) 1964
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2009
- It's reassuring to see so many of the comments echoing, in one way or another, what I said in the heading back in 2009 ... that this is the Best Version Ever! Thank you.
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Rod McKuen, who wrote this, died yesterday [29 January 2015]. RIP! And thanks for the poetry.
+Alan Bradbury he only translated it from the French
Yes it's commonly stated that McKuen wrote it - Brel is ignored in the American literature!
McKuen didn't attempt to translate the song. He wrote sugary-sweet lyrics to Brel's original: he did the same to Brel's Ne Me Quitte Pas which he bastardised as If You Go Away.
Six decades and more have passed and I still sing along. This was not one of the Trio's great hits but by far it was one of their best songs
Kingston trio set the standard for folk music.
Amen to that.
I want to add that there were so many others then, but the Kingston Trio definitely led the group. There was another little-known group, The Chad Mitchell Trio, which sang some great satire, which I thoroughly enjoy. Thank you, Bruce Mundy, wherever you are.
"Goodbye Francoise, it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
With your lovers everywhere
Just be careful, I'll be there""
He is warning her his ghost will haunt her!
Love this song. Bob sounds great. Thank you for the memories
This is the definitive version of this song. Period.
I'm sorry to hear that you had your period. I hope you conceive successfully next month.
Pinky Stomper That's soooo funny!! :-)
I first heard Terry Jacks version growing up but later heard The Kingston Trios version witch came nearly a decade before Jacks version. I like how the Trio sticks closely to the original poem with thoughts on a wife's infidelity with Antoine and their upbeat melancholy sound makes me feel lonely but Terry Jacks altered the lyrics and when I hear that song I always think about my daughter.
As I hunker down in the pandemic of 2020, it's reassuring to back to the songs of my youth to think of better times and fewer stresses and worries!
This has been a hugely significant song for me since I discovered and bought the 45 back in 1965. I went on to discover the works of both The Kingston Trio and Jacques Brel and their recordings continue to resonate with me 50 years on.
I must point out that the digital remastering has left a rather thin version of the original analog recording; the studio production gave the guitar a rich and powerful sound.. a perfect foil to Bob Shane's husky vocal.
Brel's own version is also quite fast, with an urgency that reflects a man on his deathbed. The Trio added a haunting poignancy to Rod McKuen's excellent lyrics.
I remember being horrified to hear Terry Jacks' bloodless version of the song with some of the lyrics changed to make it softer and more like Honey. Pure schmaltz.
Couldn't agree more. In fact, I never liked Seasons in the Sun because I'd only heard the Terry Jacks version. Then I heard the Beach Boys version with Carl singing lead for McKuen's lyrics. Instantly I loved the song. Now the song makes a lot of sense. Like you said, pure schmaltz. This song plays with you and tugs at you like Green Green Grass of Home.
I choose the Beach Boys over Rod McKuen and Kingston Trio since Carl's voice sounds more French.
This is one of the songs that the Kingston Trio did first and then later were covered by someone else who got the hit. In many respects the Kingston trio was under appreciated by the general public. I became a fan when I was a teenager and to this day I still love their sound. They have a very distinctive approach to the music they do and to me it is always magical.
it is a translation of brel
It was Terry Jacks
Terry Jack’s in 1974.
I like this version - I heard it first. The album that this appeared on - Time To Think - was just outstanding. Still available on CD.
This is the best rendition of "Season in the Sun." Their album "Best of the Kingston Trio" was one of the first albums I purchased. I recall "Seasons" long before Terry Jacks recorded the song. I was terribly disappointed at Jack's rendition. Thanks for posting this wonderful song which never receives air play on the radio.
Both versions are good
First time I heard this version and I love it.
To his wife: "You cheated lots of times, but then I forgave you in the end (though your lover was my friend)" ...damn!
I like this version for its own reasons. Forgiving Francois's infidelities is touching. It's a more direct translation of the original song. Terry Jack's rewriting the last verse to being for Michelle - a supportive loved one - is touching in a different way. She could be a spouse, a lover, a close friend, a daughter... even a beloved pet.
With Jack's version, I'd thought he was reminiscing on loved ones who've passed away. With the Trio's version, I see it's meant to be the farewell of someone who's dying.
Incredible song in every iteration.
The "best version ever?" You bet! Hands Down.Far and away.
-_-
I will never tire of hearing Bob Shane's voice.
I spent part of the summer of 1961 in Paris France, and if I live to be 400, there ain't ever gona be anything quite like as much fun, and fun does not really describe it!!!
This is was very first version.....i feel so grateful found this song
wow I had no idea and I've even played with these guys. Terry Jacks's version was a coming of age song for me.
THE KINGSTON TRIO 8-time Nominees, 3-time Grammy winners, including 2011 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Billboard Awards: Best New Singing Group
Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Hit Parade Hall of Fame, Library of Congress: Historical Recordings (Tom Dooley)
Charted Hits: Tom Dooley, MTA (He’ll Never Return), Where Have All The Flowers Gone, Greenback Dollar, This Land Is Your Land, etc.
Adieu, Emile, my trusted friend,
We've known each other since we were nine or ten.
Together we climbed hills and trees,
Learned of love and A B Cs,
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees.
Adieu, Emile, 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 ev'rywhere.
Think of me and I'll be there.
We had joy. We had fun.
We had seasons in the sun,
But the hills we would climb
Were just seasons out of time.
Adieu, 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.
Adieu, 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 ev'rywhere.
When you see them, I'll be there.
We had joy. We had fun.
We had seasons in the sun,
But the wine and the song
Like the seasons have all gone.
Adieu, Francoise, my trusted wife,
Without you I'd have had a lonely life.
You cheated lots of times but then,
I forgave you in the end
Though your lover was my friend.
Adieu, Francoise, it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky.
Now that the spring is in the air
With your lovers ev'rywhere;
Just be careful, I'll be there.
All our lives we had fun.
We had seasons in the sun,
But the stars we could reach
Were just starfish on the beach.
Adieu, Emile.
Adieu, Papa.
Adieu, Francoise.
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 stars we could reach
were just starfish on the beach
I like much more the French original version of lyrics)
This is my first rendition of seasons and the one I like best. In I used to sing Terry jacks version to my 2yr old niece except I sang, "We had joy we had fun we had burgers on a bun," and she'd get frustrated and say to me while pouting, " No, no, no, Aunt Ruth! Seasons in the sun!" Of course she had no idea what it was about, but it had a catchy little tune.
Mind blowing. Thank you
Excellent Version! Thank You verycoolsound!!
Haven't heard this in 40 years, still beats the hell out of all the other ones out there
Great group, have all the albums!!
I agree, i am borned in Sweden 1985, i loved Terry Jack version, and i still like it, but this is the the best of all versions i heard.
Hello Mag, How are you doing?
This is Rod McKuen's version, which is based on Le Moribund. In the original, the singer is dying of a broken heart. He says goodbye to his trusted friend, his priest (who was a confidant of his wife), and his friend (whom he doesn't like and resents because the man will continue to live and be healthy) who had an affair with his wife. He knows the three will take good care of her. Then he says goodbye to his "faithful" wife, whom he loved despite her cheating on him. He will now close his eyes in death as he closed his eyes to her lies. The original tempo was this fast. I have to admit that I would prefer a slower version.
Hello Janice, How are you doing?
I agree the tempo isn't for me but i was raised on the Jacks version.
Try the Beach Boys version.
Kingston Trio: 1964
Terry Jacks: 1974
I couldn't have said it better! Thank you.
The Kingston Trio was among my most favorite musicians! I heard "Seasons in the Sun" performed by the Trio long before Terry Jacks version. I was terribly disappointed by Terry Jacks version. Consequently, I've been delightfully spoiled. Among my favorites by the Trio are "Run the Ridges" and "Everglades"
Did "Poor Charlie" ever get off The MTA?
Clearly the gold standard version. The Trio owns this song. Also, the likes (90%) rightfully outnumber the dislikes (10%), which is as it should be.
Rod McKuen reworked Jacques Brel's song "Le Moribond" for the English-language version
of Seasons in the Sun. It is a bittersweet song - sad but beautiful.
I personally believe The Kingston Trio's cover of "Seasons in the Sun" surpasses that of Terry Jacks.
Brel's original version was a dark comedy. McKuen turned it into a "serious" song. On TH-cam you can find Brel's original French version with English subtitles.
I disagree. The Kingston's Trio version sounds too upbeat for such a depressing song.
very nice song!!! True!!!
Hello Betty, How are you doing?
¡¡¡¡ what a surprise ¡¡¡¡ I always was thinking that Terry Jacks composed this song in 1974 ¡¡¡¡
I heard this version by the Kingston Trio first, and have been appalled by all other recordings since. This is moving and powerful.
I recall when Terry Jacks released his version and it became "an anthem" of sorts for hs seniors at the time. It was a song that was us remembering our younger days and that we would all be going (most of us) our separate ways. Some to different colleges, the military and so on. It became a precious and cherished memory "holder" - that being said.
Meeting Rod McKuen (early 1980's) started me into the real version as I discovered amongst his writings. I also have his recorded version which I believe is a well done version by the man who wrote it (lyrics.) Why must we diss him - he wrote it folks! Now for the Kingston Trio - a great folk group (mainly) did a terrific version of this with the faithful rendition of the words. Folks this is not like, oh, say: Stairway To Heaven - I mean who could really top the Zeppers doing that. This is about a song performed differently for different reasons. Read why Terry jacks did his version lyrically, Rod's version is from his soul and they are HIS words. A gift from him to us - thank you, sir!
Others can, have and will do this song some will be good some may not be. Me, I enjoy them all - thank you and may peace, love and happiness be with you all!
Rod McKuen translated it from french, the original is Le Moribond by Jacques Brel
How come Michelle the little one gets no mention in this version....and who the hell is Michelle?
Used to lay in bed when I was 4 or 5, listening to this song.
Wow this awesome like If favorite!
Must say they had the best harmony, one could not distinguish between whose voice was whose except for Bob whose voice was quite distinct at times, Nick was fabulous so was John, was a great lyricist, miss them all! No one could imitate them not even the New Kingston Trio.....Mentioning the New Kingston Trio, I believe they ought to make an effort to interprete The Original Kingston, the only singer that sounds like the Originals is George! congratulation George!
John Stewart was terrific--but the original Kingston Trio was Nick Reynolds, Bob Shane, and Dave Guard. I was lucky enough to see two of the three in 1994--Nick was with Bob, and I think George. They did well.
very special
Wow. I thought that I had an extensive knowledge of popular music, but I always thought that Terry Jacks actually wrote this. I had no idea that the Kingston Trio had recorded it first - and I am a Trio fan! It shows you how big Terry's version was here in Canada - it was promoted big time.
I wasn't a fan of TH-cam for many years, but once I realized that I could find posts like this one, I realized it has some merit - albeit, with far far too many exceptions!
d.e.z.mr.h Also, the Beachboys have a version.
jerseyragazz1 And The Fortunes. Cheers.
+d.e.z.mr.h You can find anything on TH-cam!
except beatles and dylan (copyright)
The Jacks version is truly awful. I'm an admirer of Jaques Brel, so it came as a shock one of the worst songs of all time was a bastardised version of a Brel number.
There's a great PUNK ROCK VERSION of this song by a band called ME FIRST AND THE GIMMES GIMMES
or nirvana.
love this way of sing
Awesome!
I do get a tad miffed when people mention Terry Jacks and Westlife whenever this song is mentioned. This was on a Kingston Trio EP which I bought in 1965, the EP had Green back Dollar, Tom Dooley and Shape of Things as well as this song on it.
wow what a song
I have never heard a KTrio song i don't like - no exception here; however, it is not the best version of this song. On this there is general agreement.The original French-language song is a sardonic ballad, in which an alcoholic libertine regrets his indulgences and gives backhanded farewells to his adulterous wife. Before Jacks popularized the song, earlier recordings had been released by The Kingston Trio, with the first cover version of McKuen's translation in 1963 and the British band The Fortunes in 1968. Jacks' recording wasreleased in Canada and the United States early in 1974and rose to number one in America by March 2. Still my personal favorite version is the cover version by Larry Lillard - check it out.
Your favorite version is the one you made? K...
This is by far the best version of this song, it's sad but brings a smile to your face.
Terry Jacks made this song much more deep and emotional. This one sounds like a drinking song with a dark twist. 😳
Hard to find this one in YT, cheers! 5*
yup they are awesome
Kingston Trio's version by far the best. The lyrics changed to suit a more "innocent" audience in subsequent cover versions is an affront to the song. I swear even the Kingston trio's version is changed in later "greatest hits" recordings.
A lot of the vocal phrasing etc on this recording is how McKuen performed it particularly in his live shows.
Oui monsieur! ;-)
I like both versions equally.
Had never heard this early version, and the bouncier take on it is certainly enjoyable. But I think I still prefer the Jacks take, fits the song better. But still fun to hear this one.
Outstanding observation. Dead on. And I suspect that what you describe is exactly what Jacques Brel intended - to reach deeply into your soul.
Definitely the best version
I wish I could understand the Brel version! Have a Happy New year!
the best version ever... definitely.
Give to Terry Jack and he blew it right out of the water......and right off the chart.....number one hit of the summer of 1974.......
This is the definitive version.
The Beach boys were the second to record it, Terry Jacks was the producer for the Beach Boys version, they decided not to go with the song so Jacks recorded it...BTW, I just found all of this out and always thought Jacks wrote it as a goodbye before he died in the 70's (he's still alive, but now my youth has yet another black eye)
+Taffy doll You did'nt read my post, huh?
Interesting
Terry jack’s made it popular in the 70’s
This song and time by pink floyd are tied for the best song ever written in my humble opinion...this one sure is fun to sing!
I’m fascinated by the metamorphosis of this poem . Terry Jacks left out the adultry and had the biggest success. Nirvana did’t even know the words but nailed the mood . ‘think I go with something more sunny tho. lol
Firstly, I personally say that everyone has a right to their own opinion, especially when it comes to how art makes them feel. That being said, I feel that if Terry Jackson sang this song his way but used the more original lyrics as the Kingston Trio had that would reach deepest into my soul. That being said, they are all good.
This is the best version so far. It keeps the French's originality and the English's great sound.
Even in the 60's I thought this was about suicide (Cobain must have also). I think the versions without the infidelity miss out on the harsh beauty which is in all reality.
He loved her; he trusted him; they cheated; he forgave her, but he couldn't live with it.
Wow - this version is far more devastating than the glossed Terry Jacks version. This version is about the death of a marriage and close friendship with a pal - a fantasy in order to deny his cuckold marriage then finally his suicide. Very sad.
Nothing like the original...
@jefam3 Terry's version strayed from the actual lyrics, but his had far more emotion than any other version I've ever heard.
This is the very best version! No contest! Thanks for posting.
TKT's version is a strong performance. Unlike the more superficial versions that are in play, their version acknowledges, in its tone and through its varied pace, that the emotions accompanying death, particularly at a "young" age are complex. It's got the right amount of melancholia.
I know,, my cousing died that summer .. and I made the connection,, his name was Michel... I realize it is a male name,, but I was young,, I never saw the lyrics at the time,,, and never thought too much about all that other stuff..... he died of cancer,, leukemia actually it took him very quickly....... no matter what my uncle tried to do to same him,... he even took him to the old country to try and see what they could do because Canada was pretty useless in their medicine...
I can understand why some people think this is a happier version, because of the tempo, but damn, there is something haunting about it to me. I think it's the echo of the recording, or maybe it's the juxtaposition of the tempo and the lyrics. Like the singer is eager to get it all over with and just die.
I have been trying to hear this version for sometime and just found it.
All you hear is Terry Jacks version, a sanitized version at best I guess. Having experienced a cheating wife I feel it appropriate this is included in this man's farewell to his family and friend. He forgave her and he for gave Emile, his friend. Don't know if I could have done that.
Bob Young
In the original French version, the friend and the lover are different people - they have different names.
Le Moribund (The dying man) by Jacques Brel is the original version
This should have been a big hit for Bob Shane and the boys back in 64. I couldn't believe how inferior the Terry Jacks version sounded compared to the beauty of this arrangement. The difference is like night and day.
The original was in French, written in 1961 by Belgian songwriter Jacques Brel. It was translated into English by poet Rod McKuen. As far as I know this was the first English version.
For a laugh check out Brel's original version, also on TH-cam.
1:29 - this line is omitted from the Terry Jacks version...
@cf1934 76 good lord just shown i was always meant to be born in the early 70's :( listening to all this old ass music and enjoying it much more than todays music lol u old
@paulparanoid To tell the truth, I like the Kingston Trio version better. I'm 76 years old and really don't feel like learning a second language. I've got by this long without it!
Agree, this is the best version, at least in my humble opinion. I also like the original by Jacques Brel. After listening to those two can't take the Jacks one any longer, too weak.
Stein Ingersen - Wir sind jung, wir sind frei (Seasons in the sun)
I never heard this version before.
This must be the original.
I know it was covered by a variety of artists
(including Terry Jacks in 1974).
Some say in the comments that this version is too fast... They should understand Jacques Brel's lyrics: "Je veux qu’on rie Je veux qu'on danse " / I want people to laugh. I want people to dance . - Je veux qu'on s'amuse comme des fous../I want people to have fun like crazy - Quand c'est qu'on me mettra dans le trou/ When they bury me. Brel sings these words at a bright tempo, like a bourrée. To me, The KT is more faithful to Brel's ideas.
Agreed. =)
My, this is every bit as romantic and personal as a lullaby sung to you by the US NAVY. The theme from 'Gilligan's Island' was more touching.
I could only imagine the US Navy singing this to me or the theme from Gilligans Island - thanks for the image.
The original, in french, is by Belgium singer Jacques Brel. It's called Le moribond
The Kingston Trio can do no wrong.
This was always the best version. The slow versions are maudlin, overly sentimental and oblivious to the irony and yes...humour inherent in the song.
Yes the very best!
Still have this record though I bought it new from a used record shop near on La Cienaga in LA. The owner charged me way too much. Soon he was out of business. went back and he was hauling out his inventory and still wouldn't bring down prices. What a jerk. And I told him so.
Actually it was written and sung by Jacques Brel in French, but this is the first english version, I believe.
Terry Jacks had so much emotion in his recording of this song. I prefer Terry to this although I like this one. But there isn't as much emothion in this version.
Yeah? Well, you know, that's just like, your opinion, man.
A best ever version of this song until you hear the in-concert version which unfortunately is unavailable.
i think the fortunes did this best version. terry took out the cheatin wife part, so the radio would play it, he also removed the french words, and without his hit record, not many people would know this song & the many versions. like this polka one. and nirvanas lack of energy one
what abut the original by Jaques Brel very dramatic.
Jacques Brel’s original version (he wrote words and music) wasn’t “dramatic” at all, but full of “dark humour” and sarcasm.
Here's Jacques:
th-cam.com/video/MB58PuNYO8o/w-d-xo.html
And an interesting comment:
"Jacques Brel''s version is about friends and priests that he knew were doing his wife, he accepted that and recommended all of them to take care of her after his death. Terry Jacks was a version that had nothing to do with the original, [like] american chinese food, american pizza, american capuccino. Brel was a sarcastic poet, he went for the blood."
@cf1934 The French version is very caustic, sarcastic and mostly about his wife cheating on him. The American/Canadian versions are more romantic. I got used to Terry jack's version but I agree the Kingston Trio is much better, more life in it, closer to Brel's tune if not words. Hope you had a Merry Christmas.