Song 2: Summer of ‘69: Those were the best days of my life

      After ticking off first song from my list, it is time to explore the next contender in the race. Though I was never a keen fan of western music, I was introduced to the world of English songs by my enthusiastic sister. A fan of all things musical, her interest pulled me towards some of the most famous songs from the western world. Slowly and steadily as my ears moved towards the sound of its beats, I realized a new found love.

     One of the most famous songs from singer Bryan Adams – ‘Summer of ‘69’ formed a great mark in my heart. Though it has great music to its credit, I was amazed by its simple, yet meaningful lyrics. Swinging over nostalgic memories, as Bryan recollects summer of his young days, the song has wonderful words for the audience.

     This song celebrates the power of nostalgia as each one of us have some valuable memories linked to various phases of our life. Though routine life moves along, we all have some memorable days with its sweet essence that lingers forever. Such is the power of memories that they can cheer us on our ‘not so happy’ days. While we experience sorrow or boredom, these colorful memories can add their much needed shade. Surprisingly, some of the darkest moments transform into happier times as we think about the wonderful past.

   As the singer remembers their carefree days with love for his musical band, the song brings life to every single word. Though a simple piece with usual moments in a person’s life, the song prompts us to ride over nostalgia. As it centers on youth and friends, it has a wonderful feel. Each one of us have memorable moments with our friends as we move along a carefree zone of our life.

  Best days of our life bring us back to good, old times. Significant events, important occasions, major developments and fun-filled days gain an entry into our nostalgic memories as we remember them forever for the rest of our lives. Besides remembering interesting memories, this song talks about changing shades of life. While moving along our routine journey, we may not reflect over past times. Yet, nostalgia has the ability to remind us about amazing days from yesteryears. 

  Though we enjoy our present, we are forced to encounter unexpected situations along the way. This gives way to the concept of valuable memories as we choose to remember the good rather than cry over the bad. Certain moments in our life click as the perfect opportunities for unlimited stock of happiness. Though they may last for a short while, they register themselves forever. Their remembrance drags us back to the good times, hoping for a repeat all over again.

     After appreciating the flow of its lyrics, let me introduce a customized touch. While I will frame down some of my best days so far, I would urge you to do the same. Pen down your own list, as you scroll through mine. I am sure these phases may sync with those on your list, as we all move over the same route one way or the other.

Those were the best days of my life….

·         School days – carefree, educative, amazing, sweet-sour, boring, fun-filled, interesting and everything that makes us what we are today. School days are undoubtedly the best days one can ever have. My love for words took me to an interesting thought. I will make a sincere attempt to reproduce it for you. ‘When we were little kids, we stared at school gate; waiting to walk out of it into a free world. Only to realize that after numerous long years, we stare at it once again, hoping to be called back within its protective arms.’

                    

·         Days spent with family after staying away for long- reunions, endless talks, unlimited smiles and loads of fun

·         Days with friends – talks, fights, philosophical discussion, contemplation and retrospection, fun, mischief.

·         Lonely days spent with inner self –reflective, analytical, progressive, new thoughts and newer plans

·         Vacation from work – peaceful, relaxing, stress-free, unlimited happiness, disconnection from the world.

        Qualifying as some of the best days of my life, each of these categories represent my version of the song. Reflecting over such good times can brighten our face with smiles. Interpreting lyrics of songs in your own style is truly an interesting and unique way to enjoy them.

P.S: I want to thank all you readers for your feedback last week. One feedback note gave me the idea to include lyrics of song as part of the post. Hope you enjoy it, as you list down your best days too!


Summer of '69 

I got my first real six-string
Bought it at the five-and-dime
Played it 'til my fingers bled
Was the summer of '69

Me and some guys from school
Had a band and we tried real hard.
Jimmy quit, Jody got married
I should've known we'd never get far

Oh, when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Yeah, I'd always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life

Ain't no use in complainin'
When you've got a job to do
Spent my evenings down at the drive-in
And that's when I met you, yeah

Standin' on your mama's porch
You told me that you'd wait forever
Oh, and when you held my hand
I knew that it was now or never
Those were the best days of my life

Oh, yeah.
Back in the summer of '69, oh.

Man we were killin' time
We were young and restless
We needed to unwind
I guess nothin' can last forever, forever, no! yeah!

And now the times are changin'
Look at everything that's come and gone
Sometimes when I play that old six-string
I think about you, wonder what went wrong

Standin' on your mama's porch
You told me that it'd last forever
Oh, and when you held my hand
I knew that it was now or never
Those were the best days of my life

Oh, yeah.
Back in the summer of '69, oh.
It was the summer of '69, oh, yeah.
Me and my baby in '69, oh.
It was the summer, the summer, the summer of '69, yeah.

Source: www.azlyrics.com