Seasons of Love Quotes

Context

This line is sung by the cast in the song "Seasons of Love," written by Jonathan Larson in the musical Rent (1996).

With this mathematical musing, the second act of the popular 1996 musical Rent begins. The two main characters Roger, a documentary filmmaker, and Mark, a rock musician, have been locked out of their apartment by Benny, their friend turned tyrannical landlord. It is winter, and Roger has recently found out that his girlfriend Mimi has HIV just like him, so times are tough.

The song "Seasons of Love" is about the year that Roger thinks that he has left, but in fact, this doesn't matter. The cast sings that the best way to measure your life is love, and this song becomes an empowering anthem.

"Seasons of Love" has transcended Rent, becoming the main song for AIDS awareness month, as a result of the musical's revolutionary portrayal of a diverse cast of straight and LGBT characters, who had HIV and AIDS.

Where you've heard it

"Seasons of Love" is one of the all-time great musical theater classics, and you've probably heard it everywhere from news casts about AIDS awareness month to morning talk shows and even Glee. It's also played at New Year's and graduations, thanks to its lyrics about moving on.

Additional Notable References:

• Rent was made into a film in 2005, and "Seasons of Love" got moved from Act 2 to the opening song.
• "Seasons of Love" was the song chosen to play out Regis Philbin after his 23 year run as the host of Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee (and/or Kelly). He sure had great taste in tunes.
• In a Playbill interview, Hamilton star, creator, and all around genius, Lin-Manuel Miranda said that Rent was a big influence on Hamilton.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Love is a wonderful thing, and Rent is fantastic musical, so quote away!