Not a Grumpy Old Man song, but one about growing older that - well, if it doesn't break your heart, then there's a rock in its place. I was reminded of this song by God himself - the great Jimmy Webb, recently interviewed on t'wireless by Johnnie Walker, who quoted these lyrics when asked how it feels to have turned 70.
This Is All I Ask was written by Gordon Jenkins, a composer and arranger who worked with Sinatra and Nat King Cole back in the glory days. I've not heard any of the other versions, but it always takes some to beat Harry Nilsson in my mind...
As I approach the prime of my life
I find I have the time of my life
Learning to enjoy at my leisure
All the simple pleasures
And so I happily concede
That this is all I ask
This is all I need
Beautiful girls, walk a little slower when you walk by me
Lingering sunsets, stay a little longer with the lonely sea
Children everywhere, when you shoot at bad men, shoot at me
Take me to that strange, enchanted land grown-ups seldom understand
Wandering rainbows, leave a bit of colour for my heart to own
Stars in the sky, make my wish come true before the night has flown
And let the music play as long as there's a song to sing
And I will stay younger than Spring
Well that's beautiful. Definitely the way to be.
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