Terry Jacks - Seasons in the Sun Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote 'Seasons in the Sun'?

   'Seasons in the Sun' is an English-language adaptation of the 1961 Belgian song 'Le Moribond' ('The Dying Man') by Jacques Brel. The English lyrics were translated by Rod McKuen and later adapted by Terry Jacks.

2. What inspired Terry Jacks to rewrite 'Seasons in the Sun'?

   Terry Jacks was inspired to rewrite 'Seasons in the Sun' after his close friend Roger was diagnosed with acute leukemia and given six months to live. Roger passed away four months later, and Jacks rewrote the song as a tribute to him.

3. Why did Terry Jacks change the original lyrics of 'Le Moribond'?

   Terry Jacks found Jacques Brel's original version too macabre. He altered about one-sixth of Rod McKuen's English translation to make it less dark, focusing instead on a peaceful farewell rather than a man dying of a broken heart.

4. How successful was Terry Jacks’ version of 'Seasons in the Sun'?

   'Seasons in the Sun' became a worldwide hit for Terry Jacks, topping charts in the US, Canada, and the UK. It sold over 14 million copies worldwide and remains one of the best-selling singles by a Canadian artist internationally.

5. Did any other famous artists attempt to record 'Seasons in the Sun'?

   Yes, The Beach Boys attempted to record 'Seasons in the Sun,' but their sessions were unsuccessful due to internal conflicts. Their unfinished version remained unreleased until it appeared on their 2021 compilation album Feel Flows.

6. What role did David Foster play in Terry Jacks’ recording of 'Seasons in the Sun'?

   David Foster contributed piano arpeggios and doubled bass parts during Terry Jacks’ recording session for ‘Seasons in the Sun.’ Although his contributions were minor, this marked an early point in Foster’s successful music career.