If I work too hard at looking forward to my 50th Birthday, I’ll probably have a crash-and-burn depression like when I turned 40. I’ll try to let what comes, come, but I am SO EXCITED! And for all of you, too, my friends spread out all over the country, the world. Let us be full of joy for our 50ths. I know some of you are having your day this very month.
I’ve been thinking about this one for a few days now. I knew it when I was 7 years old. I believed the story my friend told me about the song being about her father, whose name was, of course, Frank Mills.
What a gull-a-bull. What a nin-cow-poop. What a maroon.
By high school, my friends and I learned the lyrics, again, by heart and sang it and sang it at the top of our lungs. The Milos Forman movie came out and I saw it at least twice in the theater.
In posting this, please know you are being spared my hammy self singing it for you on my mac.
Just him
So many more good songs. I am sure they’ll show up on my blog throughout the year. It all still feels so pertinent to me, being a kid in the consciousness-raising ’60s. The hippies, the environment, TV, Viet Nam, Walter Cronkite. Oh yeah.
twinklysparkles 
My mom felt a nonzero amount of despair when she turned 50. I tried to help by giving her a little spa trip (on which I also went) as a gift, massages and relaxation galore, and it seemed to lift her spirits. A possibility for you?
I’d never heard this song before. I’m certainly familiar with the Forman movie but this song isn’t in it, and I’ve never seen the show live. It’s lovely.
This is great, Katharine. I am not sure how I’ll react. I’m a bit odd, wishing I could make less of age, but making too much of it. I hope I am simply happy to turn 50. I feel that way right now, but I had a delayed reaction when I turned 40. No problem in thinking up to the day and then BOOM I really did go into a depression.
There are benefits to having kids in your 20s, I’m sure, but I had both of mine in my 30s, so they won’t be taking me to a spa. I can still get some massages and pedicures. I’d settle for being more fit by July!
I did not remember that this song wasn’t in the movie. We still had a revival of sorts of all the original songs when we were in HS and saw the flick.
Ciao, K
Interesting how we’re about the same age but both relate to the 60s — for me the 60s and early 70s. I find often people born around this time relate more to the 80s — blech! I might write something about this phenomenon.
Come on in the water’s fine — I turned 50 November. I didn’t bat an eye. I had looked forward to it but with not much fanfare. I’ve always looked forward to the next age — call me batty. But if I slow down and think about what that really means — oh boy! In a kooky way though, I look forward to being out of here as well, ‘never to return,’ to quote Frieda Kahlo. But we’ll see when the time comes how ready I am to leave.
EWW! The ’80s. I did have some fun going to dance clubs, but I certainly don’t relate to the music so much from then. I was mostly drunk through the ’80s anyways….
I love that you didn’t mind turning 50. I love your battiness and I hope a little rubs off on me. It is inspiring anyway. I so enjoy your uniqueness in all sorts of things–your choice in music, your writing, your outlook. It’s so refreshing!
See you! Katherine
“Drunk” during the 80s?! Meeee toooo!
Oh and thanks so much for the compliment! I had a nice pity party for the last couple of days, so I really appreciate. My momma even called my minister Auntie L to give me a call — Good Lord!
Oh, you youngster you, I can tell you will thrive in your 50s. As I approach #62 next week, I must say that, so far, I much prefer my 60s to my 50s…..so remember that in a decade (hopefully we’ll still be blogging friends then).
Oh, Lydia, this is so funny to me. I had no idea what age you are. At least I don’t think I ever figured it out. I suppose I thought you were a bit older than I am, a few years maybe.
It’s always good to hear this–that someone enjoys life more with age. I hear that women often feel more relaxed in their bodies–that once you get through menopause, it’s smoother sailing. Not saying this is your situation, but I do hear of it.
I think so much of my outlook is based on watching my mother age and it’s not so great. She was a widow at 52. FIFTY-TWO!!!! A baby practically. I think she thrived for a long time, but also made some strange choices of not staying connected with people when she could.
You are an inspiration to me and SO YOUNG!!! Like I said, I didn’t imagine you in your 60s.
Thanks for popping in and giving me good words.
Katherine