The Story
Life: The Musical is an original aFa production is a journey featuring songs of about life. Each act features an aspect of life as a theme with music supplied around that theme.
Program (Past Posts)
Act 1: Life
Act 2: Born
Act 3: Names
Act 4: Young
Act 5: Dream
Act 6: Teens
Act 7: School
Act 8: Adulthood
Act 9: Work
Act 10: Play
Act 11: Hope
Act 12: Love
Act 13: Positive Emotions
Act 14: Negative Emotions
Act 15
Life … the time for the living to live. One’s life starts when one is born. Shortly thereafter, we are given something that stays with us no matter where we go – a name. Immediately, we are nourished, so we grow physically, mentally, and emotionally from babies into young children … and that’s when we start to dream about our future life. Growth never stops, so from children we move on as teens .. but school is still much of life at this point.
Eventually, we move into adulthood as women and men with many things going on in our life. Whether its work, play, or family, life can be complicated, so many times we hope for the best. Maybe above all else, people desire love, and go through many ups and downs in that quest.
No matter the situation, human encounters also provide a wide-range of emotions over a life with ups and downs. Whereas the previous act featured positive emotion, Act 14 is about negative emotions – so, all song titles must have a negative emotion in the song title. (The producers says stay away from love unless the title is a negative emotion.)
Time marches on. Although one gets older with each day, one grows old (that’s the theme) – so song titles need to include old, older, oldest, elderly, or aging.
Two cautions: 1) My Old Kentucky Home is not permitted, and 2) titles as 12-Year-Old Boy will be nixed because the boy isn’t old.
Production Note
To prevent browsers crashing from loading too many videos, please 1) include the song title and artist in your text, and 2) paste the URL as part of your last line (not a new line). The latter will provide a link, thus not embed the actual video … but I don’t mind unembedding, so apologies are not necessary.
Announcement
A rock legend opens Act 15, so saying his name is all that’s needed. Ladies and gentleman, singing Old Man, welcome Neil Young.
Hi Frank! How about “I Wanna Grow Old with You” by Adam Sandler, from The Wedding Singer http://youtu.be/l1A_X8VMIqU
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Danica,
That was a fun clip! Just wondering, but I think you’ve used an Adam Sandler song in the past. 😉 Just checking my memory.
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Hi Frank! I’m glad you like it. I don’t believe that I’ve used an Adam Sandler clip before….
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… then probably mistaken in my warped mind. 🙂
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You’ve got a lot of music here so I’m surprised that you manage to keep track of it all!
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Tons … a project in my mind is to catalog the songs in each act … then publish them in a post(s). Time: The Musical was a good one, too! Two more acts in this one, then something new!
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The songs from each act would make wonderful posts! It would be quite a project though 🙂
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… thus why I hesitate to commit … but the idea is noble.
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Wow, Frank, hard to believe that Neil Young was ever that young! Great video! My sister was wild over him back then. Here’s Pulp with Jarvis Cocker (no relation to recently checked out Joe) singing “Help the Aged” in 1997: http://youtu.be/_bZjKC0EaY0 Considering that Jarvis hits 52 this year, the lyric, “Funny how it all slips away,” is probably resonating a helluva lot more now than it did then.
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Considering that this song plays directly into the theme, I hope you’ll cut me slack that the word “aged” is in the title instead of aging.
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Lame,
Glad you appreciated the opener. … and the producer gleefully grants your special dispensation for your excellent choice within the theme!
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The word “old” made this a quick pick for me. Here’s Diane Keaton in her famous nightclub scene in Woody Allen’s Academy Award winning film, “Annie Hall,” singing “Seems Like Old Times.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRPru9CnPhM
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Tim,
Excellent song … and Diane Keaton does it well.
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One of my favorite performances of all time. Thanks for posting.
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Todd,
The company policy here is that commenters on a musical post must have a song, so here’s one from me to you. Not sure of your musical taste, but here’s a touch of the blues from the great Buddy Guy with Done Got Old … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiwiysPS-dA … Enjoy.
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This is just the same old song, Frank. http://youtu.be/uS2nWLz-AbE
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Jim,
Now there’s a song that will get one moving in the morning! I know you will like the song I left Todd (just above you).
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Interesting song by Buddy. Most of his are. I like to put him on the stereo and play along. He has fun music structure.
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I knew would approve this song.
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Okay, so I’m going to break to rules here, Frank so please forgive me. And I don’t mind if you disqualify me, because this song doesn’t have the word “old” in the title, but it’s one of my favorite songs about aging and also about living in an age where one doesn’t quite fit. I give you Jimmy Buffet and “A Pirate Looks at 40.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZHNSrl9KsU Two of my favorite lines appearing in the same song: “The cannons don’t thunder, there’s nothing to plunder. I’m an over 40 victim of fate.” And: “My occupational hazard is, my occupation’s just not around.”
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Cathy,
Your record here is exemplary, and the producer appreciates your defense of the selection. After carefully listening to the song, he grants you an Act 15 Statement of Immunity, which (of course) is limited. … and because of the importance of CYA, here’s a song for you … it’s quite bouncy .. but looks at the theme from the future. … Someday You’ll be Old (Lou Rawls) .. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9eQShsxkj4 .. Enjoy.
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🙂
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From the cafe singer’s musical,”Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well..etc” sung by Elly Stone, the. song “Les Vieux”, in translation, “The Old Folks”: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SXGlo1euwBY
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Just realized there’s also a John Denver version of this on youtube…nice video..
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Cynthia,
Oh my gosh … simply wow … I didn’t know this one, but I’m glad you used this version because the video is perfect for this act in the spirit of the entire musical!!! A round of applause for your choice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBNxGZP49ls
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Since you brought it up, Cynthia, I feel the need to post Les Vieux by Jacques Brel! He is (was) one of my favourite French singers! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-nyLvIuHDU
Les vieux rêvent plus… The old no longer dream…
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Common now … translation?
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What? You want me to translate the whole song?
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The title? What you wrote at the end.
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Oh! I was just typing in the beginning of the song and supplying the English translation to Jacques Brel’s “Les Vieux:…
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some times this song plays repeatedly in my head. it is such a song that could.
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Cindy,
It seems that having Neil Young’s appearance year has gone directly to your heart, so your comments made me smile. I was going to leave you with Old King (about a dog), but just found The Old Laughing Lady (Neil Young) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R-ioccTrKk … Enjoy!
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Frank says you’re referring to Neil Young…why did I think you were referring to the magnificent Jacques Brel? 🙂
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Cynthia … I was assuming Neil Young because I believe she was referring to my opening song.
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I was basing my assumption on a conversation Cindy and I had a couple of days ago (on another blog) about the elderly….and of course the Neil Young song has almost nothing to do with the elderly. It’s title is” old man”, but it’s about the feelings of a very self-absorbed young man. 🙂
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Ah ha! … good point … but the rules on the musicals here are based on titles.
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plus i bought every album, and know each poem/lyrics. i read
his autobiograpy recently. he has s seriously challenged son.
His brillance extends to a love of trains and model trains.
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Cindy,
I’m going to interrupt programming for this important announcement, and I will reply on the previous comment, but this is a special occasion … You made the 50,000th comment on this blog!!!
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If you’re referring to Jacques Brel, I am on the same train….he’s a consummate poet…
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I really like Neil Young and that’s a favorite song! But another favorite, Simon & Garfunkel had a beautiful song, Old Friends. I love this, too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPTOY8FrvNw
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Debra,
Good choice … and the love the video of the duo singing it together! I’m a bit surprised you didn’t use a popular song about a geriatric female from your area … but I won’t post it here because someone may use it.
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Oh no Frank! Your suggestion escspes me…I will have fun trying to solve that puzzle!
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Ah ha … an unsolved puzzle it is. Here’s the deal, if it doesn’t show up here, I will have it on tomorrow’s post (OITS) … if it does appear here … I will reply to you to guide you to the song.
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Lovely choice. That’s what I was going to choose.
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Elyse,
Glad you like the song. Because I know you’ve been busy, and you commented to The Little Old Lady from Pasadena (Debra), it’s fitting that I place the Jan & Dean hit here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxPgFUjDpA … Enjoy!
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Oops.
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Oops?
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I read your comment on my phone — too quickly. I thought I’d posted my comment to the wrong comment. Hence the Oops.
I either need more sleep or more coffee. OR maybe a classic cartoon — where I’m off now!
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I was going to leave a link to Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Old Friends’, but got pipped at the post. I’ll have to have a rethink. 🙂
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Pauline,
Gotta be quick here or have backups. Here’s one to hold you over … This Old Heart of Mine (Rod Stewart) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9eQShsxkj4 .. Enjoy!
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Here’s a classic and amazing song: Ol’ Man River with Paul Robeson (Jerome Kern – Oscar Hammerstein II) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh9WayN7R-s
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Marina,
A classic indeed, and another genre to the mix. 🙂 … and wow … what a big, deep voice!
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extraordinary!
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Old Wild Men by 10cc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9E9p7i7mhE
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Catherine,
Although I know 10cc, I don’t know this song … Nice ballad … and the video is perfect for this act! Well done!!!!
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How about ‘This Old Heart of Mine’ by The Isley Brothers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_9M6kRfJes
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Fasab,
Gotta love the songs from that era. Cheers to you choice.
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I wanted to use “when I’m 64” by the Beatles but it doesn’t say “old” or “aged” in the title so I am (begrudgingly) deserting my initial choice and going with “Hope I die before I get old” originally by The Who but most awesomely and tastefully covered by The Zimmers. I am quite sure that you will agree that I covered all bases in this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqfFrCUrEbY
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Oh bollocks! It’s called “My generation” not “Hope I die before I get old”! (Cheers Steve for enlightening me 😦 ) He did give me a quick save though… “Old Love” by Eric Clapton… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loEW6Tod8Xc (forgive me…it was my first time 😉 )
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Cheers to Stevie Boy for coming through. Excellent choice … and good job to you for listening to him.
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(I was muttering…) Stevie-boy is a musician, a guitarist and a lover of all things “blues” it was a very quick save for me 😉
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Well then … see the song I left for Todd (about the 4th commenter down.)
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Narf,
Well, correct … Although this one would be nixed in the strictness sense, the video is a hoot … and visually fits the theme. Because you’ve already selected another song, you won’t get the wrong-answer buzzer … besides, I invite others to see The Zimmers!
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Aren’t they awesome? I loved that they went on a talent contest and blew the sneering judges away 😉 My kind of “sock it to the man!” moment 😉
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I imagine this video will reappear on these pages soon.
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🙂
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How ironic that Neil Young singing “Old Man” is so young in that video!
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Christy,
A young Neil Young (who is now old) singing Old Man, a song about a young guy (so I’m told).
Meanwhile, here’s one from me to you … those crazy Canadians … Barenaked Ladies … Old Dirty Hank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnpqHwzWoaw … enjoy!
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Hehe good choice! I saw that band in concert and they were hilarious, quite the show! Old/Young Neil is probably tired of the Old/Young jokes but I think they’re funny 🙂
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Cheers to you for enjoying music from a classic era.
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Okay, you can disqualify me because old is not in the title. It’s so old it’s not even a song. However, it is an old tune, it feels old, it’s old school, it’s played by 2 guys who are so old, they’re gone. It might as well be called “Old Blues”, so here is “Slow Blues” by Oscar Peterson and Count Basie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3drqJ1bUmEA Whether I’ve made the cut, or not, you have inspired me!
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Resa,
You’re right … it won’t work.
… but a wonderful song. Hmmm …. now I’m thinking of a new musical! Meanwhile, because your song doesn’t qualify, here one from me to you … Lonely Old People (Wings) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVVqrE143N4 … enjoy!
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Thanks, Frank! I’m happy to know I’ve given you a Hmmm……. 😎
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How about this one? Never Too Old to Hold Somebody (Elton John & Leon Russell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMncry64Xl8
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Lorna,
Excellent choice … and done by a unique duo!
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Frank,
I love that Neil Young song. It’s one of my favorites of his. How about this. Frank Black: Old Black Dawning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUFFzn3qP1A
I don’t know this song, but I like it. Will this count?
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Amy,
Yep … it works! I don’t know it either, but like yourself, I like it! Well done!!!!
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If that one didn’t cut it, here is Never Grow Old from The Cranberries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQHbjEvsJGs
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It’s an Amy 2-fer! You are on a roll!!! I didn’t know this one either … but like it again. The acoustic version brings out the ballad nature of the song.
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Ah Frank, this is an easy one for me! I LOVE the group Little Feat and this is one of my favorites of theirs – “Old Folks Boogie” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_nFwwjBlEc complete with a smoking’ piano solo by Bill Payne. This is the perfect song to sing while driving long distance and/or stuck in traffic 🙂 Greatest line? “Oh, you know you’re over the hill, when your mind makes a promise that your body can’t fill.” Enjoy!
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Lynn,
I didn’t have this one on my list, .. .besides, I enjoy Little Feat! … Many thanks, and got a chuckle on that line!
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Glad to hear you like Little Feat, Frank! I find this song even funnier as I age – at least I’m keeping my sense of humor 🙂
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I love this one, Frank… I will chose the counterpart (Don’t want to grow old).
So my choice is “Forever young” by Alphaville, a great song, indeed!~ ⭐ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHIIATt0BaM
All the best to you, happy weekend!, Aquileana 😀
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Aquileana,
Nice song, but it’s going against a picky producer is always a risk. Besides, “young” was Act 4 … so
However, here’s one for you … Into the Old Man’s Shoes (Elton John) … It’s from Tumbleweed Connection, one of my favorite early Elton albums. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cu7o9AU8Iw … enjoy!
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You are right, Frank. Oh this is serious stuff… I should have posted in Act 4, hahaha… Love the fail button and the song you added instead!~
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Hi Frank! 🙂
Gonna’ take a change & go with…
Bob Seger – Old Time Rock And Roll http://youtu.be/dh-0LuIDEaw
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RoSy!
Glad to see you back at the aFa Theater for the Performing Arts! … and oh yes … a good choice.
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Old Man is one of my longtime favourites.
I can proudly say that I am “Too Old to Die Young” (by Brother Dege) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQNFcYvILJE
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Yahooey,
It works .. and thanks for one I don’t know. 🙂
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Here is one of my old time favourite singers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eefPYLgzurg and he is still going strong… Rod Stewart… 🙂 … with Same Old Song
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Sue,
Good one … and an interesting version as I love the way he starts slow. Rod Stewart is a classic!
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He is my hubbies favourite artist too.. 🙂
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OK… so now that I’ve stuck my nose in others’ business… here’s my official twofer: Chris de Burgh “Old Friend” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxuT4yQSBmg and “Old Fashioned People” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4qQA9SEEW8
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Dale,
Old Fashioned People is a beautiful song … yep … another one I didn’t know.
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From my favourite album. He truly is a story-teller, isn’t he?
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