About The Song
It reached #1 in the Australian Charts and #1 in the UK Singles Chart.
This was the Seekers’ best selling single in the UK, selling 1,400,000 copies, and reached #1 in both the Australian and UK charts. Tom Springfield wrote the song, basing the melody on the Russian folk song “Stenka Razin,” which tells the story of a Cossack rebel leader who led a major rebellion on Russia’s southeastern frontier in the 17th century.
The Seekers have continued to sing “The Carnival Is Over” at the close of sporting events in Australia, making it a beloved tradition. Unfortunately, Judith Durham was unable to perform at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games due to a hip injury.
In the song, the couplet “But the joys of love are fleeting/ For Pierrot and Columbine” refers to two stock characters from the Italian pantomime-like theater known as dell’arte. Pierrot was a sad clown in love with the beautiful Columbine, who breaks his heart by leaving him for Harlequin.
The Seekers, a quartet of folk singers from Melbourne, became one of the first Australian acts to achieve international stardom. Frontwoman Judith Durham’s pure tone and sensitive phrasing helped the group gain a following with hits like “A World of Our Own,” “Morningtown Ride,” and “Georgy Girl.” The Seekers’ success was largely due to their ability to fit the musical zeitgeist, offering pop-friendly folk that was fresh and energetic.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Say goodbye my own true lover
As we sing a lovers song
How it breaks my heart to leave you
Now the carnival is goneHigh above the dawn is waiting
And my tears are falling rain
For the carnival is over
We may never meet againLike a drum, my heart was beating
And your kiss was sweet as wine
But the joys of love are fleeting
For Pierrot and ColumbineNow the harbour light is calling
This will be our last goodbye
Though the carnival is over
I will love you till I dieLike a drum, my heart was beating
And your kiss was sweet as wine
But the joys of love are fleeting
For Pierrot and ColumbineNow the harbour light is calling
This will be our last goodbye
Though the carnival is over
I will love you till I die
Though the carnival is over
I will love you till I die