Meaning of “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks

The original version of this song – called “Le Moribond” (translated “The Dying Man”) and sung in French – was based on the tale of an old man dying of heartache due to his wife cheating on him with his best friend. However, Terry Jacks, in dedication to a friend who was dying of leukemia at the time, reworked the track, excluding references to the aforementioned story and instead basing it on a man’s final words to some distinct people whom he loves.

There are three of such individuals who are highlighted in the track. First is a friend he has known since childhood and as such, recounts fond memories of the two of them growing up together. The second appears to be his dad, whom Terry acknowledges has tried to exert a positive influence on his undisciplined life. The third person is referred to as his “little one”, implying that she may be a child.  What is definitely known about “Michelle” is that she helped lift up Terry’s spirit at times he felt depressed.

Ultimately the “seasons in the sun” indeed represent the seasons, as in the passing of and renewal of time. In days past, these periods were marked by enjoyment between Terry and the people he is singing to. And despite the fact that his character is now passing away, he is wise enough to understand that the “seasons in the sun” will continue to march on and only asks that when Spring does comes around for his loved ones to remember him.

Facts about “Seasons in the Sun”

• “Seasons in the Sun” was composed by Rod McKuen in collaboration with Jacques Brel.
• The song’s production was done by Terry Jacks together with Clive Davis.
• Technically, Terry Jacks’ “Seasons in the Sun” is a cover of Belgian singer Jacques Brel’s 1961 song “Le Moribond”.
• This hit song was released as a single in December 1973. It was published via Goldfish Records and Bell Records.
• Shortly after its release, this track reached the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. It maintained its position atop for 3 consecutive weeks. Aside the United States, this song also topped the charts in at least 10 other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria.
• Despite releasing several songs before and after “Seasons of the Sun”, Terry Jacks is best known for this song in question.
• “Seasons in the Sun” is one of the most commercially successful singles of all time. It has so far sold over 14 million copies around the globe.

Which artists have covered “Seasons in the Sun”?

Since Terry Jacks released this song in 1973, it has been covered several times by several artists. For example, one of the most notable covers of this song was done by the Irish band Westlife in 1999. Apart from Westlife, other artists that have covered this song include:

• Bobby Wright in 1974
• Nirvana in 1993
• Me First and the Gimme Gimmes in 1997
• Black Box Recorder in 1998

Below is Westlife’s version of “Seasons in the Sun”:

Did “Seasons in the Sun” win a Grammy Award?

No. Despite its massive commercial success all over the world, this track didn’t win a Grammy.

On which album is “Seasons in the Sun”?

It appears on Jacks’ 1974 maiden album also titled Seasons in the Sun. It was released as the third single from that album.