It Was A Very Good Year

When the Frank Sinatra version of this song was released in 1961, my Dad bought the album, and played it constantly. As he was a good singer, he also learned the lyrics, and would wander around singing it, over and over. I was only nine years old at the time, but could tell the song had all the hallmarks of a classic, even though I didn’t have any experience of the emotions expressed by the words.

Every now and then, I would hear the song on the radio, or some cover version on a TV show. Then we went as a family to see Sinatra perform in London, with the Buddy Rich orchestra. After belting out all his well-known favourites, he slowed down, and in a single spotlight, performed this song. He seemed to really get into it, and the venue was hushed as he was singing, the audience feeling it too.

Now I am old, and can really appreciate the sentiments of the song.
It took me a long time, but I finally got it.