About the song
*”Where Have All the Flowers Gone” is a poignant folk song that has resonated with audiences for generations. Originally written by Pete Seeger in 1955, this haunting ballad was popularized by the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary in the early 1960s. Their rendition, with its harmonious vocals and simple yet evocative melody, has become a classic in the folk music canon.
The song’s lyrics present a cyclical narrative of life, love, and loss, exploring themes of war, peace, and the passage of time. It begins with the simple question, “Where have all the flowers gone?” and proceeds to trace the journey of these flowers, from being picked by young girls to becoming symbols of remembrance on soldiers’ graves. The repetitive structure and straightforward language of the song make it easy to follow, while the underlying message is both profound and thought-provoking.
One of the most striking aspects of “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” is its ability to evoke a strong emotional response in listeners. The song’s gentle melody and somber lyrics create a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, while the cyclical nature of the narrative suggests the inevitability of death and the impermanence of life. The song’s anti-war message is also clear, as it highlights the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and societies.
The song’s popularity can be attributed to several factors. First, its simple and memorable melody makes it easy to learn and sing along to. Second, its lyrics are both poetic and accessible, speaking to universal themes that resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds. Finally, the song’s message of peace and love is particularly relevant in times of war and social unrest.
“Where Have All the Flowers Gone” has been covered by countless artists over the years, but the Peter, Paul and Mary version remains the most iconic. Their harmonies and intimate performance style perfectly capture the song’s emotional depth and social significance. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless message and the power of music to connect people across generations.
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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?