Across the evening sky,
all the birds are leaving,
But how can they know,
it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire,
I will still be dreaming,
I have no thought of time.
For who knows,
where the time goes?
Who knows,
where the time goes?
Sad, deserted shore,
your fickle friends are leaving,
Ah, but then you know,
it's time for them to go,
But I will still be here,
I have no thought of leaving,
I do not count the time.
For who knows,
where the time goes?
Who knows,
where the time goes?
And I am not alone,
while my love is near me,
I know it will be so,
until it's time to go,
So come the storms of winter,
and then the birds in spring again,
I have no fear of time.
For who knows,
how my love grows?
And who knows,
where the time goes?
(Copyright © 1967 Sonet Music)
Click to play, and sing along
Sandy Denny lyrics for Who knows where the time goes?, from the original Sandy Denny music website.
About the song
"Who knows where the time goes?"
Who knows where the time goes? was written by Sandy Denny and featured on a number of albums, including versions with The Strawbs and Fairport Convention.
The song is slow-paced, with Sandy observing events, and likening them to timeless natural things. The song is in E major with unusual jazz style chord progressions
and it's claimed to be a musical and lyrical masterpiece by many experts.
Sandy originally recorded the song as a demo in 1967, simply singing and playing guitar. Later in 1967 she joined The Strawbs and re-recorded the song,
again with just voice and guitar. This was included on the album All Our Own Work, which was released much later, in 1973.
American singer Judy Collins heard the original demo recording of 1967 and recorded a cover version of the song. She released it on the B-side of her single, "Both Sides, Now",
and later used the title as the name of her album Who Knows Where the Time Goes, released in 1968. Also in 1968 Sandy joined Fairport Convention.
She recorded the song on her second Fairport album, Unhalfbricking (1969)with a more rocky style. "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" became a signature song for Sandy
and for Fairport Convention. It has been covered by many artists. In 2007 the version from Unhalfbricking was voted "Favourite Folk Track Of All Time" by BBC Radio 2 listeners.
Who knows where the time goes? is on the albums
The BBC Sessions 1971-73
The Lady: The Essential Sandy Denny
Who Knows Where the Time Goes : Box set of 3 discs
Sandy Denny. The Notes and the Words
20th Century Masters - Sandy Denny
Live at The BBC
Where the Time Goes
A Boxful of Treasures
Sandy Denny (Box Set)
Who knows where the time goes? on YouTube
Buy Sheet Music for Sandy Denny songs at Sheet Music Plus and Musicroom.
