Joan Baez

Beloved Woman , when still a young college graduate and spending Christmas at a hillside vacation house of a friend in Baguio City with closest friends, folk singers serenaded us with carols and capping the night with a song that repeated the line "May you stay forever young". For days and weeks I kept humming the song to myself, evidently touched by the message and the melody. And when I asked about the song or who sang it, no one can tell me. Apparently, it was not contemporary then. No internet yet where I could search for answers. From time to time the memory comes back and haunt me with the song.

Joan Baez picture from Amoeba.com .

Just a few days ago, after decades, I was stunned when while surfing the internet I came across "Forever Young" at You Tube and when I watched and listened I instantly fell in love with the songstress behind the song. Though the name is not new ("We Shall Overcome" was sung in Holy Masses of the 70s), her reality came to me with the force of fresh discovery, exhilaration, joy and a mixture of nostalgia and serendipity.

Joan Baez picture from Presidentia Española EU 2010.es.

Below is the Video of Forever Young by Joan Baez,may you enjoy listening; and may you stay young in mind, heart and spirit forever . . .

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
And 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
And 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
And may you have a firm foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young

Forever young forever young
May you stay forever young

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Below are just a few of the words of wisdom from this woman of beauty, principle, courage, influence and dedication to humanity and her art - an exciting and touching woman to listen to and know - taken from About.com:Women's History

"My concern has always been for the people who are victimized, unable to speak for themselves and who need outside help."

"Action is the antidote to despair."

"All serious daring starts from within."

"Instead of getting hard ourselves and trying to compete, women should try and give their best qualities to men - bring them softness, teach them how to cry."

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can decide how you're going to live now."