The Meaning Behind The Song: Turn Around by The Brothers Four
Song Information
| Title | Artist | Writer/Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turn Around | The Brothers Four | Harry Belafonte, Malvina Reynolds & Alan Greene | The Honey Wind Blows (1965) | N/A | Pop/Folk | Teo Macero |
One of the most beautiful and poignant songs of its time, “Turn Around” by The Brothers Four captures the bittersweet emotions of watching loved ones grow up and leave home. Released in 1965 as part of their album “The Honey Wind Blows,” the song has remained a classic and continues to resonate with listeners today.
The lyrics depict a parent’s journey through years of watching their child grow, each verse marking a significant milestone in their life. The first verse begins with the innocence of childhood, “Where are you going, my little one, little one?” As the child grows older, the lyrics emphasize the rapid passage of time, with each turn representing a stage of life: “Turn around and you’re two, Turn around and you’re four, Turn around and you’re a young girl, Going out of the door.”
The chorus, which serves as a poignant refrain, highlights the main theme of the song: the transitory nature of time and the inevitability of change. “Turn around, Turn around, Turn around and you’re a young girl, Going out of the door.” It encapsulates the heartache and nostalgia of witnessing the fleeting moments of childhood slip away.
In the second verse, the lyrics continue to showcase the passage of time, but with a focus on the child’s transition into adulthood. The tender lines, “Turn around and you’re tiny, Turn around and you’re grown, Turn around and you’re a young wife, With babes of your own,” evoke a sense of both pride and loss. As parents, we watch our children grow up, establish their own lives, and start families of their own.
One can interpret “Turn Around” as a universal song that captures the emotions every parent experiences as their children grow. The lyrics remind us of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones. It encourages us to appreciate the present and embrace the changes that come with the passage of time.
Personally, this song holds a special place in my heart. As a parent myself, I can relate to the bittersweet feeling of watching my children grow up. Time seems to move in the blink of an eye, and it’s a constant reminder to cherish the precious moments we have together.
I remember playing “Turn Around” during family gatherings or during quiet moments at home. The lyrics would resonate with everyone in the room, as we collectively reflected on how quickly our children were growing. It served as a reminder to appreciate the present and create lasting memories that we can hold onto as our children forge their own paths.
Overall, “Turn Around” by The Brothers Four captures the essence of parenthood and the universal experience of watching our loved ones grow up. Through its heartfelt lyrics and nostalgic melody, the song reminds us to cherish every moment and treasure the time we have with those we hold dear. It serves as a beautiful tribute to the journey of life and the ever-changing nature of our relationships.
