About the song
Frank Sinatra‘s “It Was a Very Good Year” is a quintessential example of his ability to blend storytelling with musical artistry. Released in 1965, this song is often considered one of Sinatra’s finest performances, capturing a sense of nostalgic reflection that resonates deeply with listeners. The song, written by Ervin Drake, is structured as a series of vignettes, each representing a different stage in a man’s life, from the innocence of youth to the mellow reflections of older age. Sinatra’s rich, velvety voice, accompanied by lush orchestral arrangements, brings a poignant and introspective quality to the lyrics. His delivery is both emotive and nuanced, conveying a lifetime of experiences with a touch of wistfulness and gratitude. “It Was a Very Good Year” stands out not just as a song, but as a beautifully crafted narrative that showcases Frank Sinatra’s unparalleled ability to evoke emotion and tell a story through his music.
Video
Lyric
When I was seventeen
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls
And soft summer nights
We’d hide from the lights
On the village green
When I was seventeen
[Verse 2]
When I was twenty-one
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls
Who lived up the stair
With all that perfumed hair
And it came undone
When I was twenty-one
[Verse 3]
When I was thirty-five
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls
Of independent means
We’d ride in limousines
Their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five
But now the days are short
I’m in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
It poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year