Forever Young

Since Thanksgiving is coming up, I figured I would pick a song that rings true to me around this time of year. The song that came to mind is Forever Young by Bob Dylan. The song is not only the theme song on one of my favorite shows Parenthood, but it is also a great example of a set of lyrics that is about family and friends. The song is simply a list of wishes that a person has for another person. All of these wishes are hopes that another person will live up to their greatest potential in life. I have posted the lyrics below.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

Television Opening Sequences

I've been watching a lot of the terrific television dramedy Parenthood lately. The show has one of the best opening credit sequences on television which never fails to excite me for the hour to come. Here are some of my favorite opening credits and the great songs/lyrics that help make them so great. 

Singer-Songwriters

Throughout the last couple of years I have come to the realization that singer-songwriters create the most thoroughly moving and effective live performances. Due to their complete devotion to the material, a singer-songwriter is able to bring out the core meaning of the song. No matter how great a song is, it is never more greatly communicated than when performed by it's author. Songs are created out of personal need and no matter how great the interpreter, I argue that the author nine times out of ten will put forward the most emotional truth in the song. Here are some examples of great songs performed by their authors (they all happen to be women but I will post men at a later date).