On June 29, 2023, the author celebrated his eighty-seventh birthday, a milestone that prompted a reflection on his life, inspired by Frank Sinatra’s iconic 1966 song, “It Was a Very Good Year.” This song, often described as “nostalgic and melancholic,” resonates deeply with those who have experienced the passage of time, each verse a reminder of life’s evolving seasons. The thematic title, repeated throughout, invites contemplation on the varying richness of different stages of life.
The Optimism of Seventeen
The song begins, “When I was seventeen, it was a very good year…” and indeed, for the author, this sentiment held true. Seventeen represented a time of burgeoning independence and possibility. Graduation from high school was on the horizon, and experiences like playing football for the Iola Mustangs had instilled valuable life lessons in self-defense and teamwork. Early exposure to operating a tractor had led to the freedom of a driver’s license. Overcoming natural shyness paved the way for social interactions and dating. At seventeen, the world felt boundless, with any goal seeming achievable through sheer determination and effort. This youthful exuberance and belief in limitless potential are hallmarks of the seventeen-year-old experience.
The Promise of Twenty-One
“When I was twenty-one, it was a very good year…” This verse speaks to a period of significant life milestones and newfound responsibilities. After two years of college and contemplation, the author married the “girl of his dreams.” By twenty-one, he was halfway through his college education, pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. A significant gift from his father – an old car and assistance with affordable housing – enabled him and his new wife to establish a life together while attending Kansas State University. This period marked the beginning of their shared journey, a testament to the promise and potential that age twenty-one often brings, though as the song suggests, this phase is transient.
The Fulfillment of Thirty-Five
“When I was thirty-five, it was a very good year…” The fourteen years following the author’s twenty-first birthday were filled with growth and achievement. Both he and his wife earned their college degrees from Kansas State. The couple relocated to New Jersey, where the author embarked on his electrical engineering career with Bell Telephone Laboratories on the Nike Zeus Missile program. Further moves led them to Ohio for graduate studies at Ohio State University, followed by a move to Texas for a position at Texas Instruments. By thirty-five, they owned their first home, the author held both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in electrical engineering, and their family had grown to include three children. A personal dream was also realized as he became a licensed pilot. The family found a spiritual home in a local church, and their children began their educational journeys. Thirty-five represented a period of profound fulfillment and stability.
The Wisdom of Autumn
As the song transitions, “But now the days are short, I’m in the autumn of the year…And now I think of my life as vintage wine From fine old kegs. From the brim to the dregs, It poured sweet and clear. It was a very good year.” This imagery evokes the later stages of life, characterized by a sense of reflection and appreciation for the richness of past experiences. The author acknowledges that much has transpired between the age of thirty-five and eighty-seven. His children grew into adults with families of their own. His engineering career evolved, including the founding and subsequent loss of two businesses. However, the digital age provided new opportunities, allowing him to engage in part-time work. The loss of his wife after fifty-five years of companionship was a profound sorrow, yet his relationships with his children and grandchildren, and the formation of new bonds in his later years, provided solace and continued joy. A return to his roots, even briefly, by purchasing a tractor in Maine, offered a poignant connection to his past.
A Tapestry of “Very Good Years”
The author concludes that regardless of the circumstances—be they joyful or challenging—each year holds its own unique value. While the springtime of life, filled with hope and dreams, easily feels like a succession of “very good years,” the autumn and winter of life offer a different perspective. Eighty-seven, like seventeen, can also be a “very good year.” It is not the specific age but the presence of love, respect, a supportive companion, and caring friends that truly define a year as “very good.” These enduring human connections are the true measure of a life well-lived.
The enduring appeal of “oldies music” often lies in its ability to evoke such personal reflections and shared human experiences. These songs, like Frank Sinatra’s “It Was a Very Good Year,” capture the essence of different life stages, reminding us of the value in every chapter. Exploring the rich history of American music before the mid-1970s, often referred to as the golden era of American music, allows for a deeper appreciation of the cultural narratives that have shaped generations. Many artists, from the early pioneers to the iconic voices of the 50s and 60s, contributed to this vibrant soundscape. For those interested in delving deeper into this musical heritage, discovering the stories behind these timeless tunes can be a profoundly rewarding experience.
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