And so another birthday comes and goes, and Father Time keeps rolling along. The “tick-tock, tick-tock” of each and every breath inching us closer and closer to the Great Divide. One thing that birthdays and other anniversaries are very good at, and that is reminding us of the relatively brief time that we spend here on earth, and what we must be doing to squeeze every ounce of life out of what we have. Last year at this time, I revealed a perspective of the 70 years that I had been on this planet, and what it meant (and means) in terms of shaping the character and personality of one who is entering the Moses’ territory of “threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their length labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” ~ Psalm 90:10

So here he is (that would be me) the man one year into his “and if by reason of strength, they be fourscore years” … and more to the point is how is he feeling in this revered environment?

Actually very good – very, very, good. I am still blessed with good health, a sound mind, surrounded by good friends and family, faculties all in place, the occasional lapse of memory (which generally snaps back into place when required) and a purpose each and every day I get out of bed at 6:30am to be the best I can be, to myself, those around me, and those who are forever seeking. I refuse right up front, “to be miserable today!”

Talking about which, I came across this rare Frank Sinatra in-studio video from fellow-blogger and great American Gerard Vanderleun (visit his American Digest right here) about six or seven weeks ago, and stuck it inside my archive file for just such a moment. And what better moment than in celebrating another “good year?” This happens to be (in my honest and humble opinion, of course) Francis Albert at his very best, going about his business with purpose, clarity, professionalism, and humility; all the while working with the amazing Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins – perfection personified. Here he is, at the height of his popularity, 50 years of age, and engaging enough to share with we wandering saints, the core and heart of his profession.

I absolutely haved loved this song ever since the first time I heard it. I was 21 going on 22 and in Jamaica when it came out in 1965, and it wasn’t until I got back home to England that I heard it for the first time. Now, yours truly is in the autumn of his years and that song and melody means more now than ever before. Not that I lived the kind of life that the “songster” is describing (yet, very close) but it’s a sentiment that causes one to remember times and situations at different stages of one’s life. Most of all it brings to mind the people who were part of your life, how they affected you, how your own influence gave sustenance and support to others. Especially when they are no longer with you, or went on to form families and relationships of their own … In a “wordly” kind of way, it has its own evangelistic twist of reminding us of our entangled involvement with mankind. Have a little listen, and read along with the lyrical transcript below …

Metal Box Apprentice School c1962

Metal Box Apprentice School c1962

When I was seventeen, it was a very good year; It was a very good year for small town girls, and soft summer nights; We’d hide from the lights on the village green … When I was seventeen.

One Month Into Jamaica 1964

One Month Into Jamaica 1964

When I was twenty one, it was a very good year; It was a very good year for city girls who lived up the stair;  With all that perfumed hair and it came undone … When I was twenty one.

1976 BJP and me... (7)

Photo-booth innocence c1977…

When I was thirty five, it was a very good year; It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls of independent means, we’d ride in limousines, their chauffeurs would drive … When I was thirty five.

There is always "Somewhere In Time.."

There is always “Somewhere In Time..”

But now the days are short, I’m in the autumn of my years, and now I think of my life as vintage wine from fine old kegs; from the brim to the dregs and it poured sweet and clear … It was a very good year.

So here I am, in the Autumn of my years, my very heart, mind, soul, and spirit still pushing towards the prize. As Paul so earnestly and eloquently evokes to Timothy: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus .. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” ~ Philippians 3:14 and II Timothy 4:8

And in closing, talking about “vintage wine from fine old kegs” here’s a fellow-countryman done it all since 1972 when the infamous “Maggie Mae” had a hold of him and powered him to the stardom that even he wouldn’t comprehend until it finally dawned on him … About to enter Moses’ territory come this January 10th 2015 …

All of a sudden, I feel energized again!

 

So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom ~ Psalm 90:12

 

 This music video is synced to the carousel herewith .. Enjoy!

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And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying: “Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace”. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

References: Psalm 90; E.W.Bullinger:Number In Scripture; Matthew 24:44-47; Marty Goetz; Luke 12:42-44;

 

(C) of Sinatra clip: Songwriters: ERVIN DRAKE
It Was A Very Good Year lyrics © SONGWRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA OBO LINDABET MUSIC INC