Leaves That Are Green

Simon & Garfunkel's song 'Leaves That Are Green' poignantly captures the transient nature of time and the inevitable changes it brings. The lyrics begin with the singer reflecting on the passage of a single year, emphasizing how quickly time moves forward. This is symbolized by the recurring imagery of green leaves turning brown, representing the cycle of life and the inevitability of aging and decay. The leaves, once vibrant and full of life, wither and crumble, mirroring the fleeting moments of youth and vitality that slip away with time.

The song also delves into the theme of lost love. The singer reminisces about a past relationship that, like the leaves, faded away. The metaphor of a poem that was never written suggests unfulfilled potential and the sorrow of what could have been. This sense of loss is compounded by the imagery of the leaves crumbling in one's hand, signifying the fragility of human connections and the ease with which they can disintegrate.

In the latter part of the song, the act of throwing a pebble into a brook and watching the ripples disappear without a sound further underscores the theme of impermanence. The ripples, like moments in life, are fleeting and leave no lasting impact. The repetitive 'Hello, hello, hello, hello / Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye' serves as a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of beginnings and endings, reinforcing the idea that everything is temporary. Through its evocative lyrics and melancholic tone, 'Leaves That Are Green' invites listeners to reflect on the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of life and love.