On my way home from work last night I was listening to Jean’s playlist of favorite songs. I was skipping through them quickly, listening only to the first few measures until recognition and fond memories put a smile on my face, and then skipped on to the next tune.
I must have skipped through dozens of songs when I was captivated by the lyrics of a Peter, Paul, and Mary rendition of Kisses Sweeter than Wine. I was surprised by the wave of emotion that poured over me. As a teenager I’d heard the song, and thought it quite pleasant, but I never had a reaction like last night. There is a whole new perspective on life at age 60 versus age 18. While I could comprehend the lyrics as a youngster, I hadn’t yet LIVED the lyrics, and that makes all the difference in listening to the song now. The song now generates a feeling of nostalgia, wistfulness, and melancholy that is both pleasant and painful at the same time. Indescribable - music is indeed the language of the soul.
Don’t underestimate perspective.
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
When I was a young man and never been kissed
I got to thinking over what I had missed.
I got me a girl, I kissed her and then
Oh Lord, I kissed her again.
Chorus:
Oh, kisses sweeter than wine,
Oh, kisses sweeter than wine
I asked her to marry and be my sweet wife,
And we would be so happy the rest of our lives.
I begged and I pleaded like a natural man,
And then, Oh Lord, she gave me her hand.
(Chorus)
I worked mighty hard and so did my wife,
Workin' hand in hand to make a good life.
With corn in the field and wheat in the bins,
I was, Oh Lord, the father of twins.
(Chorus)
Our children they numbered just about four,
They all had sweethearts knockin' at the door.
They all got married and they didn't hesitate;
I was, Oh Lord, the grandfather of eight.
(Chorus)
Now that we're old, and ready to go,
We get to thinkin' what happened a long time ago.
We had a lot of kids, trouble and pain,
But, Oh Lord, We'd do it again.
