Forever Young?

I have a couple of songs on my running playlist that get always get my attention because of their attitude about age. This has nothing to do with being ageist.
It has to do with the remarkably different emotional responses I have to them.

The first is this one! When it hits my playlist, it never ceases to speed me up when I’m running! I love this “unplugged” version. It gets there with no electronic instruments and features a cello!

I love the line “18 goin’ on 55!” Fifty five! Geez I just turned 74! And at times, I think maybe I’ve made it! Although, most frequently, it’s just my 5th grade sense of humor that gets eye-rolls from which ever audience happens to have to deal with me!

Just for kicks, here’s me at 18 sing at my high school graduation. That’s my friend, Lawrence Van Tassel, with the guitar. Notice the ​intensity! Impresses even the old me!

Here I am, a few months ago (with my brother, Doug). I'm now 19 years past 55! Oh my! I do seem a little less intense. I guess that’s life!

When this next tune hits my playlist, I see my sons and grandkids in my minds eye. Then the lump in the throat appears and even the occasional tear falls.

While “Forever Young” is a great idea, kind of mirroring the first song, this one’s tone leaves a VERY different set of emotions churning.

I think part of it is that while I don’t know exactly what will happen to my loved ones. I know life. It’s gonna be a wild ride, good and bad. I envy them the good and wish I could mitigate the bad. If only, eh?

Here’s the Joan Baez original.

And just for kicks, here’s a much more highly produced version by The Tenors. Enjoy!