A Time For Us
by Nino Rota

“ A Time For Us ” is an instrumental arranged by Henry Mancini (from Nino Rota’s music written for Franco Zeffirelli’s film of Romeo and Juliet, starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey). It was a number-one pop hit in the United States during the year 1969. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on June 28, 1969, and remained there for two weeks; it was also his only Top Ten single on that chart. There are two different sets of English lyrics to the song. The film’s version is called “What Is a Youth?”, featuring lyrics by Eugene Walter, and sung by Glen Weston. This version has been released on the complete score/soundtrack release. An alternate version, called “A Time for Us”, featuring lyrics by Larry Kusik and Eddie Snyder. This version has been recorded by Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Stevie Wonder, and others. Josh Groban performed “Un Giorno Per Noi”, an Italian version of “A Time for Us”.

Lyrics

A Time For Us

A time for us, someday there’ll be
When chains are torn by courage born of a love that’s free

A time when dreams, so long denied
Can flourish as we unveil the love we now must hide
A time for us at last to see
A life worthwhile for you and me
And with our love through tears and thorns
We will endure as we pass surely through every storm

A time for us, someday there’ll be
A new world, a world of shining hope for you and me

A time for us at last to see
A life worthwhile for you and me
And with our love through tears and thorns
We will endure as we pass surely through every storm

A time for us, someday there’ll be
A new world, a world of shining hope for you and me

Songwriters: Edward Snyder / Lawrence Kusik / Nino Rota

What Is A Youth? (Love Theme from Romeo & Juliet) – Alternate Lyrics

What is a youth?
Impetuous fire
What is a maid?
Ice and desire
The world wags on

A rose will bloom
It then will fade
So does a youth
So does the fairest maid

Comes a time when one sweet smile
Has it’s season for awhile
Then love’s in love with me

Some may think only to marry
Others will tease and tarry
Mine is the very best parry
Cupid he rules us all

Caper the caper sing me the song
Death will come soon to hush us along
Sweeter than honey and bitter as gall
Love is a past time that never will pall
Sweeter than honey and bitter as gall
Cupid he rules us all

A rose will bloom
It then will fade
So does a youth
So does the fairest maid

Songwriters: Rota Nino / Walter Eugene