Hazy Shade Of Winter

The Bangles

Time, time, time
See what's become of me...

Time, time, time
See what's become of me
While I looked around
For my possibilities
I was so hard to please

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hear the Salvation Army Band
Down by the riverside
It's bound to be a better ride
Than what you've got planned
Carry a cup in your hand

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hang onto your hopes my friend
That's an easy thing to say
But if your hopes should pass away
Simply pretend
That you can build them again

Look around
Grass is high
Fields are ripe
It's the springtime of my life

Seasons change with their scenery
Weaving time in a tapestry
Won't you stop and remember me

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground


Lyrics submitted by Ice

A Hazy Shade of Winter Lyrics as written by Paul Simon

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Hazy Shade Of Winter song meanings
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14 Comments

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  • +3
    General CommentSmall note: Paul Simon wrote all of S&G's songs. Garfunkel only sung the songs, and did a little arranging.

    The Bangles cut out part of the lyric. The original had a line, "Funny how my memory slips while looking over manuscripts/Of unpublished rhyme/ Drinking my vodka and lime." The Bangles restored that line in many of their more recent performances, including the one they recorded for their DVD. Aside from the wonderful angst, I think that missing line makes it clear that the narrator of the song is a frustrated writer or poet.

    Interestingly for a song about getting old, Simon was about 27 when he wrote the song, and the Bangles weren't much older when they recorded it.

    I like both versions.
    fanofoldieson January 15, 2011   Link
  • +2
    My InterpretationWhenever I hear this song, I think of coming of age. The moment when we have come to realize what our life "is" rather than what we would "wish" for it to be. I think this rendition is better than S&G's and that's quite an achievement. The fact that it goes with the movie Less than Zero's soundtrack probably is what makes me believe that it's a coming of age story and not simply the end of our life story. There are many seasons in our lives and probably many winters in our lives to have to weather and for the characters in the movie one's poor choices (Robert Downey Jr.'s character) cause them to miss out on as many winters as the others will endure in their lives. I think that's very poignant along with the lyrics to the song and the moral of the story is take a look at your own life and think about your choices in life and respect how finite our lives might be.
    altamber8on May 01, 2017   Link
  • +1
    General CommentGreat cover - better than the original, and I don't usuaoly say that very often! I used to mistake 'Carry a cup in your hand' for 'carry a gun' as that's what I thought Susanna sang! Guess 'gun' would make more of an impact! ;]
    butterflykiss84on May 29, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General CommentI think the song is about getting old, missing oppritunities. The whole chorus is about time passing.
    Deadinkon August 17, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General CommentFirst heard this last night while watching "Less Than Zero." In tying it to the film, I think it's about inevitable change and what you made of yourself. Getting older and/or maturing.

    This is a great cover, never heard the original but I fell in love with this version instantly.
    pahohhlahon March 23, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General CommentThis is a brilliant cover of the song - IMO far better than the original, which is a real achievement. Simon and Garfunkel are one of the best songwriting teams ever, and their versions of most songs are not only the best ,but pretty well unbeatable. However, in this case, by taking a rockier approach to it, I think the Bangles have done a great song real justice.
    Schroedingeron March 02, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General CommentI like the Bangles' version of this song as much as the original by Simon and Garfunkel. It's a great song; both versions are wonderful. The Bangles' take was a nice fit for the movie "Less Than Zerio" back in the 80's.

    As a side note - this song was released right before the holidays in 1987. I thought that the bridge - the "Seasons change with the scenery ..." bit - sounded almost like a Christmas carol. It really resonated with the holidays that year, and always makes me think of that specific time of my life when I hear it. Just my memory of this song.
    bingoboyon March 19, 2017   Link
  • 0
    General CommentOne of my favorite and most meaningful songs of my life.
    mrsdarthvaderon July 12, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI think the song is about getting old, missing oppritunities. The whole chorus is about time passing.
    Deadinkon August 17, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThe song sounds strange... very special. I jst cannot describe my feling when listeing to it
    GSimenonon August 08, 2007   Link

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