KINGSTON TRIO - Seasons in the Sun (Best Version Ever!) 1964

[sgtmajtom06]

The Kingston Trio can do no wrong.

[Cynbad63]

I love this version. Especially the end!!

[ivehadit1]

terry jacks , what are all you weirdos on ?

[sunibaybuh]

TKT's version is a strong performance. Unlike the more superficial versions that are in play, their version acknowledges, in its tone and through its varied pace, that the emotions accompanying death, particularly at a "young" age are complex. It's got the right amount of melancholia.

[jazzygeofferz]

It's good, but it's not the Brel version.

[TheScrewOnHead]

This is good, but I don't know if it compares to Beirut or Nirvana.

[Imjustme778]

We all have our own opinions, honestly I like Terry Jacks version better, it has more feeling and emotion. This was the first time I heard this version, I like it, I like the cheating wife verse... Anyway just my opinion.

[calindesmoines1]

The original French lyrics by Brel came down to another cheating wife song.

French country music lyrics? Who knew! The Fortunes also have a version that is much closer to the orginal Jacques Brel intent and is, at least, equal to this interpretation by the Kingston Trio.

[wwdavis48]

This TKT version, several years before TJ, is so much better...acoustic/unplugged with BS lead and then...and than...TKT harmony. It is amazing listening to it how profound it is all these years later. I wonder if GC was doing the guitar? TJ stole it from TKT...or put it another way...TKT led the way for others to follow.

[wwdavis48]

This TKT version, several years before TJ, is so much better...acoustic/unplugged with BS lead and then...and than...TKT harmony. It is amazing listening to it how profound it is all these years later. I wonder if GC was doing the guitar? TJ stole it from TKT.

[jefam3]

@LokiusMaximus, @scotters: If you understand French, listen to the original song by Jacques Brel. That is the version to which all others must be compared. The ironic, cynical tone of Brel is best reflected in the Kingston Trio version. Jacks missed the entire intention of the song and turned it into something saccharine. Brel wanted everyone "to sing and dance while they are putting [him] in the hole [in the ground]". The Jacks version is an insult to both Brel and McKuen.

[Armee5000]

More Like, "WORSE" Version Ever..

[krisorulzz]

@Armee5000 your comment, like many other comments on here is, as blair from 'facts of life' would say 'so déclassé' and you should all feel EMBARRASSED !

[DalokiMauvais]

I heard this version by the Kingston Trio first, and have been appalled by all other recordings since. This is moving and powerful.

[royalcourtier]

Listen to the original Brel version, it is both more maudlin, and comic. Very clever.

[DEATHEXISTFOREVER]

terry jacks was first version i heard and liked it...but now hearing this i can see how many that heard this version first would hate terrys.i like this version alot.

[Zainab464]

this version is also good but i also like the westlife version nd this is also gud!!!!!!!!!!!

[scotters201]

This is way too fast and cheerful..not a good version,no one can Match how Terry Jacks sang it

[rydag11]

@scotters201 Westlife does a good version too

[BobDenby]

@scotters201 Gosh, it is really fast, isn't it? I really like The Kingston Trio, but I think I do prefer the Terry Jacks version of this one. I don't care if people say Jacks' version is a little schmaltzy. If right as you're dying isn't the time to get sentimental, when is? I like that it left out the infidelity. I think it's much sweeter as a man saying goodbye to a full life without having a cheating wife in there. My American sensibilities, I guess. :)

[BuzzLOLOL]

Never heard of this version before, just listened first time today... Kingston Trio sings the words way too fast... and too cheerful... sounds like it's being sung in French... Terry Jacks OWNS this song...!!!

[pauleypauleypauley]

@BuzzLOLOL considering the original song was written by a Belgian, i would say the fact that it sounds french is a good thing. and the trio recorded this ten years before terry jack made a hit out of it.

[tommieparch]

i think the fortunes did this best version. terry took out the cheatin wife part, so the radio would play it, he also removed the french words, and without his hit record, not many people would know this song & the many versions. like this polka one. and nirvanas lack of energy one

[hsimah666]

My favourite is the Beach Boys version, but hearing this for the first time just now is quite good. I do like the Kingston Trio.

[johnsmall1]

I've been saying since the Terry Jacks version originally came out that his version stunk and the Trio's was superior; nice to see after all these years that people are agreeing with me. Incidentally, I once had the privilege of talking with Rod McKuen and the subject of this song came up; he absolutely HATED the Terry Jacks version.

[tuchux]

Horrible!!!!!!

[cf1934]

I wish I could understand the Brel version! Have a Happy New year!

[cf1934]

This is the very best version! No contest! Thanks for posting.

[guyrr1]

@cf1934 the best English version, I still like the French original one better but except for the tune it is not the same song. This tune is closer to Brel but does not translate the real song of a bitter man dying. Brel died not long thereafter.

[cf1934]

@guyrr1 I've only heard the English versions! Unfortunately, I don't speak French or any other language for that matter

[cf1934]

@guyrr1 I just heard Jacques Brel's version! I like it but I can't understand it.

[paulparanoid]

@cf1934 - Doesn't matter. The power of Jacques's songs transcend mere language differences. Next, go listen to Amsterdam. Then find some translations. Then go out and learn a second language! :)

[cf1934]

@paulparanoid To tell the truth, I like the Kingston Trio version better. I'm 76 years old and really don't feel like learning a second language. I've got by this long without it!

[haxor758]

@cf1934 76 good lord just shown i was always meant to be born in the early 70's :( listening to all this old ass music and enjoying it much more than todays music lol u old

[cf1934]

@guyrr1 I just heard Jacques Brel's version! I like it but I can't understand it. I just can't stand the Terry Jacks version!

[guyrr1]

@cf1934 The French version is very caustic, sarcastic and mostly about his wife cheating on him. The American/Canadian versions are more romantic. I got used to Terry jack's version but I agree the Kingston Trio is much better, more life in it, closer to Brel's tune if not words. Hope you had a Merry Christmas.

[ArepoEn]

For me, this is by far THE best version of the song...

[cymmitch]

so who did this first???

[jefam3]

@thinbutfun and xShredx4xLifex : Jacks totally ruined Brel's song. Listen to the stingingly ironic devil-may-care tone of the original. Brel didn't mean for the song to be slow, mournful or "haunting". The proof is in the continued popularity of Jacques Brel long after his death. On the other hand, Terry Jacks and all the other poppies in his family have faded into a well-deserved perpetual insignificance.

[thinbutfun]

I think that all the versions (that are sung in tune - Sorry Kurt) are too upbeat for the message. Terry managed to create a moody piece that haunts. Even Jacques Brel seemed to bounce from plaintive to playful. While that may be the original intent, sometimes the re-interpretations are worthy as in the case of TJ.

[ronnieazak]

I've always loved this version.

[dixrigiova]

i don't like it

[schusterlehrling]

Cioser to the original by Brel then the misinterpretation by Terry Jacks.

[xShredx4xLifex]

best version is a matter of opinion i guess...for me, i like the slower versions.

[DrLearyUSA]

Hard to find this one in YT, cheers! 5*

[boobeejoo]

I was a young girl then,

The best version ever..

[Nutstrangler]

Great track, like "Coplas", it's about forty three years since I last heard it! Terry Jacks' version sucks, big time!

[bingoace]

@Nutstrangler Terry Jack's version is nowhere near as bad as westlife's version. They completely butchered the song!

[rivasd10]

This is the best version so far. It keeps the French's originality and the English's great sound.

[jefam3]

Wow!  All these years I blamed Rod McKuen for bastardizing this great Jacques Brel song, and then I came across this version that is much closer to the spirit of the Brel song. So I guess it turns out that this Terry Jacks character bastardized and ruined not only the French Brel original but also the McKuen English version. Sorry Rod, and screw you, Terry.

[verycoolsound]

I couldn't have said it better! Thank you.

[rayg6]

the terry jacks version is perfect

[cmulwee001]

@jefam3

I kind of agree with you. Terry can NOT sing.

[parashar1505]

@jefam3 you have just told it so correctly! I had heard this kigston trio version long back but was not able to get it of late in YT. Only the horrible post terry versions were available. Thank you @verycoolsound for sharing this great piece of music. Lastly, Screw you, Terry!

[LokiusMaximus]

@jefam3 Terry's version strayed from the actual lyrics, but his had far more emotion than any other version I've ever heard.

[suvi14]

the best version ever... definitely.