The Green Leaves of Summer

The Brothers Four

About The Green Leaves of Summer

"The Green Leaves of Summer" is a song by Paul Francis Webster, with music by Dimitri Tiomkin, written for the 1960 film The Alamo. It was performed in the film's score by the vocal group The Brothers Four. In 1961, the song was nominated for an Academy Award; its parent soundtrack, for the film The Alamo, was awarded a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.


Year:
1961
2:49
157 
#2

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Woo, woo,
A time to be reaping 
A time to be sowing 
The green leaves of summer 

Are calling me home "
Twas so good to be young then 
In the season of plenty 
When the catfish were jumping 

As high as the sky 
A time just for planting 
A time just for ploughing 
A time to be courting 

A girl of your own "
Twas so good to be young then 
To be close to the earth 
And to stand by your wife 

At the moment of birth, woo
A time to be reaping 
A time to be sowing 
A time just for living 

A place for to die "
Twas so good to be young then 
To be close to the earth 
Now the green leaves of summer 
Are calling me home "

Twas so good to be young then 
To be close to the earth 
Now the green leaves of summer 
Are calling me home

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The Brothers Four

The Brothers Four are an American folk singing group, founded in 1957 in Seattle, Washington, known for their 1960 hit song "Greenfields". more »

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Written by: DIMITRI TIOMKIN, PAUL FRANCIS WEBSTER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Artist Fact
Dimitri Tiomkin, the composer of the song "The Green Leaves of Summer", was a renowned Russian-American film composer and conductor, famous for his works in Hollywood films such as "High Noon" and "The Guns of Navarone".
Song Origin
The song "The Green Leaves of Summer" was originally created for the 1960 epic war film "The Alamo", directed by John Wayne.
Lyricists
The lyrics for the song were written by Paul Francis Webster, an American lyricist who won three Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
Song Performance
The song was performed by The Brothers Four, an American folk singing group known for their 1960 hit song "Greenfields".
Awards and Recognition
"The Green Leaves of Summer" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1961.
Popular Cover
The song has been covered by several artists, including Peter, Paul and Mary.
Song Theme
The song's theme is reminiscent of a time of hardship and struggle but also speaks of optimism and resilience, fitting the storyline of the film, "The Alamo".
Album Release
The Brothers Four included "The Green Leaves of Summer" in their 1960 album "BMOC (Best Music On/Off Campus)".
Global Recognition
The song has had enduring success and has been translated into 14 languages.
Film Significance
The song is played at the beginning of "The Alamo" movie during a one-minute, forty-second overture which was unusual for CinemaScope films of that era.
Extended Influence
The song has entered public consciousness beyond the realms of the film's audience, having been used in other films, most notably in "Inglourious Basterds", a Quentin Tarantino film from 2009.
Song Style
The song has been characterized by a beautiful melody with an epic and haunting quality that perfectly complements the bittersweet lyrics.
Memorable Popularity
Despite not winning the Academy Award, the song has been recognized for its poignant arrangement and outstanding vocal performance, making it a memorable classic from the 1960s.
Musical Arrangement
The song's mellow tone is carried by rich, harmonious vocals and a gentle acoustic guitar riff characteristic of folk music - creating a serene, peaceful, and reflective vibe.
Significance of Title
The title "The Green Leaves of Summer" is a metaphor symbolizing periods of growth, change, and optimism for better times ahead, resonating with the film's plot.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1960

    Billboard #65


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