Sandy Denny, born Alexandra Elene MacLean Denny on January 6, 1947, was a pioneering British folk rock singer and songwriter.
She is celebrated as a key female figure in British folk music. Starting her career in London folk clubs, she briefly joined Strawbs before becoming the lead singer of Fairport Convention in 1968, shaping their sound with original songs and traditional British folk elements.
Denny also formed the band Fotheringay and pursued a solo career, releasing four notable albums between 1971 and 1977.
She is famous for her haunting voice and songwriting, particularly the classic “Who Knows Where the Time Goes?” She also sang with Led Zeppelin on “The Battle of Evermore.”
Denny passed away tragically in 1978 at age 31 but remains highly influential in folk music.
About the Song
“Who Knows Where the Time Goes” by Sandy Denny is a thoughtful folk song written in 1967 that examines the mysterious nature of time and reflects on life’s temporary quality.
The lyrics use birds migrating across an evening sky as a symbol, representing the passage of time and life’s inevitable changes, while questioning how time’s timing is known at all.
The song’s narrator shows peaceful acceptance of time’s mystery, focusing instead on dreaming and valuing moments without counting the hours.
Originally recorded by Denny solo and later with Fairport Convention, the song remains a moving classic of 1960s folk music and has been widely covered for its timeless, reflective message about the fleeting nature of time and human connection.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Genre | Folk / Folk Rock |
| Length | Approx. 5 minutes |
| Publishing Year | 1967 (written), 1968 (first release by Judy Collins) |
| Writer | Sandy Denny |
| Publisher | Island Music Ltd. |
Who Knows Where the Time Goes Lyrics by Sandy Denny
[Verse 1]
Across the morning sky, all the birds are leaving
Ah, how can they know it’s time for them to go?
Before the winter fire, we’ll still be dreaming
I do not count the time
[Chorus]
Who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
Who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?
[Verse 3]
And I am not alone, while my love is near me
And I know it will be so, ’til it’s time to go
So come the storms of winter, and then the birds in spring again
I do not fear the time
[Chorus]
Who knows how my love grows?
Who knows where the time goes?
[Outro]
Ooh, ooh
La la, la la la la la la la la
La la la la, la la
La la la, la la la la
La la la la, la la la la
Ooh
Themes of The Song
Sandy Denny’s masterpiece explores profound existential questions through deceptively simple lyrics and melody.
- Reflection on Time and Impermanence: The song acknowledges life’s transient nature while finding beauty in the continuous cycle of change and renewal.
- Emotional calmness in the face of change: Rather than expressing despair at time’s relentless flow, the song offers philosophical acceptance.
- Universal resonance through simple imagery: References to migratory birds, changing seasons, and natural cyclical patterns create accessible entry points for listeners across cultures and generations.
- Literary techniques: Natural elements function as powerful metaphors for human experiences of departure, absence, and return.
- Deep listener connection: The song articulates our complex relationship with time without forcing a particular interpretation.
Decades later, the song remains a timeless meditation on mortality, offering solace and perspective to new generations of listeners.
Lyrical Video – Who Knows Where the Time Goes
Similar Songs You’ll Love
If you connect with Sandy Denny’s “Who Knows Where the Time Goes,” these classic folk masterpieces find out similar themes of reflection, memory, and the passage of time:
- “Both Sides Now” – Joni Mitchell: Like Denny’s meditation on time, Mitchell’s signature song contemplates life’s contradictions and how perspective changes with experience.
- “The River” – Bruce Springsteen: Springsteen’s melancholic ballad uses seasonal imagery to reflect on lost youth and opportunities, creating the same bittersweet emotional resonance as Denny’s contemplation of passing time.
- “A Case of You” – Joni Mitchell: Another Mitchell classic that shares Denny’s gift for emotional intimacy and poetic precision.
- “Diamonds and Rust” – Joan Baez: Baez’s reflection on a past relationship captures memories crystallizing into something both beautiful and painful, echoing Denny’s exploration of how time transforms experience.
Artists with a Similar Vibe
- Joan Baez: A key voice of the 1960s folk revival, Baez’s music blends emotional depth with social consciousness. Her traditional ballads and haunting vocals mirror Denny’s reflective style.
- Judy Collins: Known for her clear soprano and poetic sensibility, Collins helped popularize “Who Knows Where the Time Goes.” Her tender interpretations make her a kindred musical spirit.
- Joni Mitchell: Mitchell’s lyrical honesty and innovative folk sound resonate with themes of time, love, and self. She shares Denny’s gift for painting emotion through song.
- Nick Drake: With his gentle vocals and introspective lyrics, Drake crafts melancholic atmospheres that align with Denny’s quiet, classic beauty. His music invites stillness and reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Originally Wrote “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”?
Sandy Denny wrote the song in the mid-1960s.
What Version of The Song is Most Famous?
Judy Collins helped popularize it, but the Fairport Convention version is also iconic.
Can I Find a Live Version Online?
Yes, there are various beautiful live renditions by Sandy Denny and Judy Collins on YouTube.
Kelsey Roberts is an accomplished songwriter with a knack for crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners. Having written for both indie artists and major labels, Kelsey brings a deep understanding of what makes a song truly impactful. Her expertise includes everything from song structure to lyrical storytelling. She’s passionate about helping others discover their voice through songwriting, providing tips and inspiration for creating songs that touch hearts.
