May You Stay Forever Young

Bob Dylan – Forever Young

Today I became an uncle for the third time as Amelia Grace “Koopa” was born into the world. At about 10 days late and after a couple false starts, Amelia arrived via stork this morning. While her brother and sister were born on-time and within an hour or two of arriving at the hospital, Amelia had to be induced and then it still took her almost another day before she decided she was ready to be born. Ah, how refreshing, she’s as stubborn and unpunctual as her uncle! Let’s hope the similarities stop there.

Is there a more perfect song to dedicate to a baby than “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan? He wrote it for his son Jesse (yes, the guy from The Wallflowers) and it’s nothing if not sublime. What better wish to have than to stay “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.