About the song
“Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” is a poignant anti-war folk song from the 1960s, co-written by Pete Seeger and Joe Hickerson, based on a traditional American folk tune. Its haunting lyrics reflect the cycle of life and the devastation of war, resonating deeply with listeners and becoming an anthem for peace movements around the world.
Pete Seeger drew inspiration for the song while flipping through a notebook, stumbling upon a verse from a Ukrainian folk song referenced in Mikhail Sholokhov’s novel “And Quiet Flows the Don.” The verse lamented, “Where have all the flowers gone? Long time passing… Girls have picked them every one… When will they ever learn?” Seeger adapted these lines to fit the melody of the folk tune “Drill, Ye Tarriers, Drill,” recording a medley of songs in his album “Rainbow Quest” without realizing its future impact. Later, Joe Hickerson added additional verses to complete the song’s narrative.
The song gained prominence when The Kingston Trio recorded it in 1961, initially claiming authorship until Seeger intervened. Subsequent renditions by Peter, Paul and Mary, and Joan Baez further popularized the song, solidifying its status as a beloved folk standard. Marlene Dietrich also recorded a version in 1962 in German, titled “Sag’ mir, wo die Blumen sind,” with lyrics translated by Max Colpet. She later recorded versions in English and French, broadening its international appeal.
Thematically, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” progresses through a series of reflective verses: from flowers picked by girls, to the girls married off, then the soldiers going to war, and finally, the graves where flowers grow. Each verse poignantly captures the human cost of conflict and the enduring cycle of loss and remembrance.
Over the decades, the song has been embraced as a symbol of pacifism and social justice, its lyrics transcending generations to prompt reflection on the futility of war and the hope for a peaceful future. Its simplicity and profound message have ensured its place not only in the annals of folk music but also as a timeless call for empathy and understanding in times of strife.
“Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” stands as a testament to the power of music in conveying universal truths and stirring collective consciousness, continuing to inspire listeners to contemplate the consequences of war and the quest for lasting peace.
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Lyrics
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Young girls have picked them every one
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young girls gone?
Gone for husbands every one
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where have all the husbands gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the husbands gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the husbands gone?
Gone for soldiers every one
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards every one
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Gone to flowers everyone
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Young girls have picked them every one
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?