Forever Young – a new hardback picture book, just released (September, 2008). If there is an anthem for the boomer generation (and, having been born in 1955, I am a member), this song is probably it.
Written by the balladeer of the boomer generation, Bob Dylan, the song Forever Young was released in 1974 on the album Planet Waves.
And now, Paul Rogers has created an illustrated children’s book that gently and sweetly captures the sense of the lyrics.
Dylan is an incredibly gifted songwriter, and these lyrics were written for his then five-year-old son, Jakob – now a successful songwriter and performer in his own right.
The book will be a fun one for boomers to read to their children (or, let’s be honest folks) to our grand-children. It’s also very timely, as the first of the boomers are now in the early sixties, and the rest of the cohort (ahem, that would include me!) will turn 60 within the next 10 years.
Rogers uses the lyrics to retell Dylan’s own story in pictures, from his first guitar, through adolescent performances in the park, to the folk music scene in New York City and his involvement in the civil rights and anti-Vietnam war movements.
But the song remains much more personal than political and is a remarkably thoughtful and moving expression of a father’s blessing for his son.
Forever Young is a hardback, 32 pages, and may be ordered directly from Greenleaf Press for $17.99 (just click on any of the links in this message.)
– Rob Shearer, Publisher
Greenleaf Press
And because this is the 21st century and the internet is such a versatile tool, here’s Bob Dylan singing Forever Young, and the lyrics below.
[audio: http://www.redhatrob.com/audio/Bob_Dylan_Forever_Young.mp3|titles=Forever Young]May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young