Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

Sandy Denny

About Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" is a song written by the English folk-rock singer and songwriter Sandy Denny. Denny originally recorded the song as a demo in 1967, singing and playing guitar on the track. Later that year, she briefly joined the folk band The Strawbs, and re-recorded the song, again with only her voice and guitar, for what became the album All Our Own Work, which would not be released until 1973. American folk singer Judy Collins heard a tape of the original demo recording in 1968, and decided to cover the song. She released her recording first as the B-side of her cover of "Both Sides, Now", and then as the title track of her album Who Knows Where the Time Goes, both released in 1968. Hers was the first widely available recording of the song. In 1968 Denny joined the folk-rock band Fairport Convention. She recorded the song on her second album with the band, the 1969 album Unhalfbricking. This version had more of a rock influence. "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" became a signature song for both Denny and Fairport Convention, and has been covered by many artists. 


Year:
2007
5:35
54 

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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?

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Sandy Denny

Alexandra Elene Maclean "Sandy" Denny (6 January 1947 – 21 April 1978) was an English singer and songwriter, perhaps best known as the lead singer for the folk rock band Fairport Convention. She has been described by Allmusic's Richie Unterberger as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". more »

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Written by: SANDY DENNY

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Composition
"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" was written by English singer-songwriter Sandy Denny in 1967 when she was just 19 years old. This song is widely regarded as one of her best and most affecting compositions.
Judy Collins
American singer-songwriter Judy Collins was the first to cover "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" in 1968, even before it was recorded by Denny's band Fairport Convention. Collins' version of the song was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed, with its gentle, folk-inspired sound and evocative lyrics.
Fairport Convention
British folk-rock band Fairport Convention recorded "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" for their 1969 album "Unhalfbricking". This version of the song features Sandy Denny's haunting lead vocals and the band's characteristic blend of rock and folk influences.
Song Theme
"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" is a poignant meditation on the passing of time and the impermanence of life. Its introspective lyrics and melancholy melody have resonated with listeners for decades.
Sandy Denny's Legacy
Despite her untimely death at age 31, Sandy Denny left a significant impact on the music world. "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" is considered a benchmark of her songwriting talent and is frequently covered by other artists.
Nina Simone
Iconic American singer Nina Simone also released a well-received version of "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" in 1969, introducing the song to a wider audience.
Song Recognition
In 2007, "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" was voted the favorite folk track of all time by listeners of BBC Radio 2 in the UK.
Tribute
When Judy Collins introduced Denny's song to the US audience, she paid tribute to the songwriter by naming her 1968 album "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" which helped to increase Denny's visibility in the folk music scene.
Annual Performances
Judy Collins has regularly performed "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" throughout her career. The song has become a staple of her live performances and is often used as a closing number.
Cover versions
"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" has been covered by more than 50 artists, including Cat Power, Kate Rusby, and Eva Cassidy, demonstrating its enduring popularity and influence.

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