“All My Life’s a Circle” was performed by Harry Chapin in 1977

About the song

Harry Chapin, a folk singer renowned for his storytelling abilities and socially conscious lyrics, penned “All My Life’s a Circle” as a reflective and introspective exploration of life’s cyclical nature. This poignant ballad, released in 1974, became a staple on Chapin’s live performances and a beloved track among his dedicated fanbase.

With his distinctive raspy voice and intimate delivery, Chapin paints a vivid picture of a man contemplating the passage of time and the recurring patterns in life. The song delves into themes of nostalgia, mortality, and the search for meaning in existence. Through introspective lyrics and Chapin’s emotive vocals, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.

The opening lines, “I’ve been around this world a long, long time,” set the stage for a song that explores the vastness of life’s journey. Chapin acknowledges the countless experiences, relationships, and lessons he has encountered along the way. The song’s refrain, “All my life’s a circle,” conveys a sense of inevitability and the cyclical nature of existence.

Throughout the song, Chapin uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his perspective. He references the “old familiar places” where he has returned time and again, and he contemplates the “same old faces” he encounters. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past, while also acknowledging the inevitability of change.

“All My Life’s a Circle” is more than just a reflective ballad; it is a profound meditation on the human condition. Chapin’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of finding meaning in our experiences. This timeless classic continues to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder that life is a journey filled with both joy and sorrow.

Video

Lyrics

All my life’s a circle, sunrise and sundown
The moon rolls through the nighttime, till the daybreak comes around
All my life’s a circle but I can’t tell you why
The season’s spinnin’ round again the years keep rollin’ by

It seems like I’ve been here before, I can’t remember when
But I got this funny feelin’ that I’ll be back once again
There’s no straight lines make up my life and all my roads have bends
There’s no clear-cut beginnings and so far no dead-ends

I found you a thousand times I guess you’ve done the same
But then we lose each other it’s just like a children’s game
But as I see you here again, a thought runs through my mind
Our love is like a circle, let’s go ’round one more time

All my life’s a circle, sunrise and sundown
The moon rolls through the nighttime, till the daybreak comes around
All my life’s a circle but I can’t tell you why
The season’s spinnin’ round again, the years keep rollin’ by

Oh all my life’s a circle, sunrise and sundown
The moon rolls throught the nighttime till the daybreak comes around
All my life’s a circle but I can’t tell you why
The season’s spinnin’ round again, the years keep rollin’ by

Oh all my life’s a circle there’s sunrise and sundown
The moon rolls throught the nighttime