The Green Leaves of Summer
Harvest Memories: Embracing the Seasons of Life
Lyrics
A time to be reapin', a time to be sowin'.
A time for harvesting, a time for planting.
The green leaves of Summer are callin' me home.
The vibrant, lively aspects of summer are beckoning the speaker homeward.
'Twas so good to be young then, in a season of plenty,
Reflecting on the joy of youth during a time of abundance.
When the catfish were jumpin' as high as the sky.
Nostalgia for a period when nature seemed more vibrant and alive, using the imagery of jumping catfish.
A time just for plantin', a time just for ploughin'.
A season for planting crops and tending to the land.
A time to be courtin' a girl of your own.
A time for romantic pursuits and courtship.
'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth,
Expressing the goodness of being young and connected to the natural world.
And to stand by your wife at the moment of birth.
Emphasizing the importance of standing by one's partner during significant life moments.
A time to be reapin', a time to be sowin'.
A repetition of the idea of cycles, emphasizing the recurring themes of harvesting and planting.
The green leaves of Summer are callin' me home.
Reiteration of the allure of the green leaves of summer calling the speaker home.
'Twas so good to be young then, with the sweet smell of apples,
Nostalgic reminiscence of the pleasant aroma of apples and the mysterious nature of the owl.
And the owl in the pine tree a-winkin' his eye.
Describing the owl in a pine tree, perhaps symbolizing wisdom or mystery.
A time just for plantin', a time just for ploughin'.
Reiteration of the cyclical nature of seasons, emphasizing living and eventually facing mortality.
A time just for livin', a place for to die.
Highlighting the inevitability of death and the idea that there is a time and place for everything.
'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth,
Reiterating the joy of youth and the connection to the earth.
Now the green leaves of Summer are callin' me home.
The green leaves of summer are once again calling the speaker home, suggesting a longing for the past.
'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth,
Recalling the goodness of being young and close to the earth, creating a contrast with the present.
Now the green leaves of Summer are callin' me home.
Final repetition of the theme, emphasizing the irresistible call of the green leaves of summer.
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