“What's the Life of a Man?”
Description
Singer, walking, observes the leaves that have fallen, noting that a few days ago they were green and growing. He calls attention to the churchyard, and to those who have withered and passed like a leaf." (But man, unlike leaves, will rise to be judged.)
Long description
Singer, walking, observes the leaves that have fallen, noting that a few days ago they were green and growing, but a frost has withered them and a storm knocked them down. He calls attention to the churchyard, and to those who have withered and passed "like a leaf from a tree." (But man, unlike leaves, will rise again, according to scripture, and be judged.) Chorus: "What's the life of a man any more than the leaf?/A man has his seasons so why should he grieve?/For although in this world we appear bright and gay/Like a leaf we must wither and soon fade away"
Notes
Some folks really know how to brighten up a day. - PJS
Recordings
- Mrs. William Towns, "What Is the Life of a Man Any More than the Leaves?" (on Ontario1)
References
- Kennedy 264, "What's The Life of a Man?" (1 text, 1 tune)
- DT, LIFEMAN*
- Roud #848
- BI, K264