The Meaning Behind The Song: Green Leaves of Summer [From the Alamo] by The Brothers Four
Green Leaves of Summer is a classic folk song that was written for the 1960 movie The Alamo. The song was written by Dimitri Tiomkin, the film’s composer, and Paul Francis Webster, the film’s lyricist. The song was performed by The Brothers Four, an American folk singing group. The song became very popular and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Song.
The song begins with the lyrics, “A time to be reapin’, a time to be sowin, the green leaves of summer are callin’ me home.” These lines refer to the changing of the seasons as summer turns to fall and winter. The song is about a soldier who is longing to return home to his loved ones and is thinking about the green leaves of summer that he left behind.
The song is also about the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The soldier knows that he may never see his loved ones again, and he is lamenting the fact that time is moving on without him. The lyrics, “The young leaves are turning, the young sons are born, go and lie down where the fields are green, stay close to me” emphasize the soldier’s desire for his loved ones to stay close to him, both physically and emotionally.
FAQs About Green Leaves of Summer by The Brothers Four
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of the song?
The song is about a soldier who is longing to return home to his loved ones and reminiscing about the green leaves of summer that he left behind. The song is also about the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life.
Who wrote the song Green Leaves of Summer?
The song was written by Dimitri Tiomkin, the composer of the film The Alamo, and Paul Francis Webster, the film’s lyricist.
Who originally performed the song?
The song was performed by The Brothers Four, an American folk singing group.
What is the significance of the song’s title?
The title of the song refers to the green leaves of summer, which symbolize the soldier’s longing for home and the passage of time as the seasons change.
What is the context of the song within the film The Alamo?
The song was written for the film The Alamo and is played during a montage of scenes that show the Mexican army slowly advancing on the doomed fortress.
Has the song been covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by several artists, including Johnny Cash, The Ventures, and Willie Nelson.
What is the historical significance of the song?
The song does not have any specific historical significance. However, it became popular during the Vietnam War, and many soldiers related to its message of longing for home and the passing of time.
What genre of music does the song belong to?
The song belongs to the folk music genre.
What instruments are featured in the song?
The song features acoustic guitars, banjos, and harmonicas.
What is the tempo of the song?
The song has a moderate tempo with a 4/4 time signature.
What is the mood of the song?
The song has a melancholic and nostalgic mood.
What is the song’s legacy?
The song has become a classic folk song and is often associated with the Vietnam War and the struggles of soldiers longing for home. It has been covered by several artists and remains a popular song today.
