I maybe a bit older, because I recall hearing “In My Life” for the first time upon its release, 57 years ago. The song means more to me now than it did the, but I got the drift.
I agree. It is a song that, in my opionion, be reflective of any sentient and thinking person. It hits the chords of memory that Lincoln poetically described in that desparate situation during that time of his First Inaugural with the word "mystic". Isn't memory, after all, a mystical celebration of one's life both good and bad?
I never heard this song until today. It is indeed beautiful, thank you! My family listened to a lot of Country Western when I was growing up, and I missed out on a lot of stuff until I hit college and then discovered rock and classical and punk and everything in between... but I somehow managed to miss the Beatles, except the "Yellow Submarine" movie and repeated sing-along renditions of "Rocky Racoon" in high school music class. So "In My Life" is a wonderful discovery to me!
The people who won't sing with you at your shows may not consider themselves too cool for sing-alongs, it's possible that they simply don't know the words. I was going to suggest that you publish a song book that people could use, but then I checked on Google and saw that there are already several out there... thank you again and take care!
I would gladly share Garrison's column with readers of Jane's Substack, if it had any readers, which it does not. Substack seems to think I have a Substack, but if I do, it was purely accidental. I wouldn't mind having one - Garrison and HCR seem to enjoy theirs - but like most things technological, how to get one up and running is a mystery to me. So there we are.
I think you must have put in a password when you first started your account, but if you forgot it, you can get it back (it will have a "forgot password?" prompt where one signs in). There are things you do to personalize your Substack (there are lots of helpful tips in the faqs section), but it's optional, you can plunge ahead and type away. Have fun!
There are not nearly enough of our decencies. Thank God for what we do have. Nor do we have the "once-in-a-generation" author with such a poignant insight as Anne Frank. St. Theresa was another. And the host of other gifted youth who see the beauty and share it. And there are more.of them, but not nearly enough.
Tthose young voices are drowned out by the haters and shouters and the hurters and the screamers and shooters and shooters. One wishes to hear more Twain-types and Garry keepers, those who tell stories that mesmerize to others the good. Anyone who can walk into a hall and get those there to sing all the voices of "How Great Thou Art," gives us hope. Never give up....
I never thought anything could bring me more simple joy than my morning cup of coffee. thank you Garrison for reminding me of the power of hope. Cheers!
Longevity may be many motivation for their actions. Instinctual tendencies, however, for us ambulating on two feet need to be trained towards that "decency" of which you speak. Perhaps that tendency can be found between our puritanical past and the humor of your grandma. Between the wilderness that Ann Frank feared and the rolling thunder of Jonathan Edward's condemnation from his 18th century pulpit perhaps this "decency" can be found.
Indeed! Decency includes kindness, forgiveness, generosity, cheerfulness, truth, sharing, and every other positive noun you can name. Try it! You will like it too.
I use the smile and if there is reciprocation, a wink to seal the deal. Thus I know for sure the child understands if he/she/they wink back. Especially if it's a four year old, or younger, even, that winks with both eyes because the co-ordination needed is overcome by the necessity to engage, favorably. Euphoria!
I love that you allow non-paying subscribers to comment. Hope that’s not an oversight. Your weekly posts are like Spring sunshine’s warm glow on the face after a cruel winter. Thank you for decades of smiles. Stay sunny good sir - it suits the New Yorker in you.
No U.S. Grant boffo one-liners? He allegedly responded, after a reporter asked him what his favorite songs were : "One is Yankee Doodle, the other isn't."
I thought of Mr. Keillor when, at the recommendation of a friend, I watched this video today: https://youtu.be/3KsF309XpJo?si=84k9ZLjxcKgiJn9D Perhaps this young fellow will continue the tradition.
An easy early morning read. Thanks Garrison. Now take the rest of the day off.
RR
Amazing video! It’s like I first heard In My Life, though it must be 50 years now since then.
I maybe a bit older, because I recall hearing “In My Life” for the first time upon its release, 57 years ago. The song means more to me now than it did the, but I got the drift.
I agree. It is a song that, in my opionion, be reflective of any sentient and thinking person. It hits the chords of memory that Lincoln poetically described in that desparate situation during that time of his First Inaugural with the word "mystic". Isn't memory, after all, a mystical celebration of one's life both good and bad?
I never heard this song until today. It is indeed beautiful, thank you! My family listened to a lot of Country Western when I was growing up, and I missed out on a lot of stuff until I hit college and then discovered rock and classical and punk and everything in between... but I somehow managed to miss the Beatles, except the "Yellow Submarine" movie and repeated sing-along renditions of "Rocky Racoon" in high school music class. So "In My Life" is a wonderful discovery to me!
The people who won't sing with you at your shows may not consider themselves too cool for sing-alongs, it's possible that they simply don't know the words. I was going to suggest that you publish a song book that people could use, but then I checked on Google and saw that there are already several out there... thank you again and take care!
I would gladly share Garrison's column with readers of Jane's Substack, if it had any readers, which it does not. Substack seems to think I have a Substack, but if I do, it was purely accidental. I wouldn't mind having one - Garrison and HCR seem to enjoy theirs - but like most things technological, how to get one up and running is a mystery to me. So there we are.
Readers need something to read. Your Substack is empty - write something and someone will read it. 😉
Is that all there is to it? Nothing to set up? No passwords etc?
I think you must have put in a password when you first started your account, but if you forgot it, you can get it back (it will have a "forgot password?" prompt where one signs in). There are things you do to personalize your Substack (there are lots of helpful tips in the faqs section), but it's optional, you can plunge ahead and type away. Have fun!
Most people I've met are good. Maybe I've been lucky... or maybe you're correct. I'm thinking the former. Or maybe even both. 😊
Come to Maryland. Sandy Spring Museum is small but worthy....
Love you GK… you have been my friend ( unknowingly) for many years…you are proof that life can be a lovely event.
I see as an ER doc much pain and darkness. You help with my death to beauty ratio
There are not nearly enough of our decencies. Thank God for what we do have. Nor do we have the "once-in-a-generation" author with such a poignant insight as Anne Frank. St. Theresa was another. And the host of other gifted youth who see the beauty and share it. And there are more.of them, but not nearly enough.
Tthose young voices are drowned out by the haters and shouters and the hurters and the screamers and shooters and shooters. One wishes to hear more Twain-types and Garry keepers, those who tell stories that mesmerize to others the good. Anyone who can walk into a hall and get those there to sing all the voices of "How Great Thou Art," gives us hope. Never give up....
And now I have ‘in my life’ as an ear worm all day ... thanks 😊💯
Lucky you. (And me.)
This is a GOOD earworm! 🐛
It is, I soooo agree 💯😊
I never thought anything could bring me more simple joy than my morning cup of coffee. thank you Garrison for reminding me of the power of hope. Cheers!
Longevity may be many motivation for their actions. Instinctual tendencies, however, for us ambulating on two feet need to be trained towards that "decency" of which you speak. Perhaps that tendency can be found between our puritanical past and the humor of your grandma. Between the wilderness that Ann Frank feared and the rolling thunder of Jonathan Edward's condemnation from his 18th century pulpit perhaps this "decency" can be found.
Indeed! Decency includes kindness, forgiveness, generosity, cheerfulness, truth, sharing, and every other positive noun you can name. Try it! You will like it too.
Lovely reminder and also true!
I would add:
Smile at all children. Look them in the eye. Reassure them in this small way that the world is good and they are going to be okay.
....and always wave at babies - it often causes them to giggle. 👶
And often too, to wave back, sometimes involuntarily as they may have been, sadly, not to acknowledge strangers.
I use the smile and if there is reciprocation, a wink to seal the deal. Thus I know for sure the child understands if he/she/they wink back. Especially if it's a four year old, or younger, even, that winks with both eyes because the co-ordination needed is overcome by the necessity to engage, favorably. Euphoria!
I love that you allow non-paying subscribers to comment. Hope that’s not an oversight. Your weekly posts are like Spring sunshine’s warm glow on the face after a cruel winter. Thank you for decades of smiles. Stay sunny good sir - it suits the New Yorker in you.
No U.S. Grant boffo one-liners? He allegedly responded, after a reporter asked him what his favorite songs were : "One is Yankee Doodle, the other isn't."
I thought of Mr. Keillor when, at the recommendation of a friend, I watched this video today: https://youtu.be/3KsF309XpJo?si=84k9ZLjxcKgiJn9D Perhaps this young fellow will continue the tradition.
I still believe in hand writing & do it daily, especially for thank you notes. Wonderful perspective you have, Garrison! ✍️