To the class of 65

 Well, well, well, can you believe it's been almost six decades since we tossed our graduation caps in the air and ventured into the world beyond high school? Time magazine once had an article shouting, "Don't Worry, There's Life After High School," and boy, were they right!

Back in the day, we were unwittingly leading the charge of the Boomer generation, set to change the world one groovy step at a time. Little did we know, we'd be trading our disco moves for daily walks, but hey, we're still kicking! William Shakespeare once compared life to a play with seven acts, and here we are, living out our own sitcom with wrinkles and all.

Sure, the mirror may show a few more silver strands than we'd like to admit, but who needs a head full of dark, wavy hair anyway? Now it's silver white, and we like to think of it as the upgraded version – wavier than ever. Life's like a Netflix series, full of challenges, plot twists, and unexpected character developments. The Boomers, though, have been blessed with more plot twists that ended in "happily ever after" than not. We've got mates, homes, children, and even a decent set of wheels – not too shabby for a bunch of high school seniors, right?

Of course, challenges have tried to rain on our parade – fear of getting old, going broke or getting a little extra padding around the middle. But fear not! Music has been our trusty sidekick, the superhero cape in the face of adversity. Late-night radio sessions with our transistor radios taught us that "Summertime and the living is easy," and suddenly, life didn't seem so daunting. No musical talent is required, just a heart that can appreciate the soothing power of a good tune.

Today's music might sound like a foreign language, but we're seasoned veterans, fluent in the language of experience. Learning "new tricks" may be a tad more challenging, but who needs new tricks when the old ones still dazzle? Our playlist is a collection of classic hits, each song a reminder that we've conquered doubts and fears before, and we can do it again.

Remember those magic moments of childhood when someone sang to us, and we believed in angels and rocking horses? Well, those moments may be tucked away, but the memories last a lifetime. Fifty-nine years post-high school, and we're still holding on to those magic memories, paying homage to teachers, friends, and family members who've danced into the sunset.

Sure, we may be the leading edge of "The World's Greatest Generation," but guess what? Life's still good! Spring and summer may have made their exit, and autumn is doing a farewell tour, but winter? Well, Frost might talk about walking, but we Boomers have miles to go before we even think about catching some Zs.

So here's to the Class of 1965, the pioneers of pizzazz and masters of resilience. May our playlists continue to be our soundtrack, and may life always be, "Summertime and the living is easy." Cheers to 59 years after high school, and may the good times keep on rolling!

Much of how we remember the ’60s today is through song.

 Music played a significant role in the social and cultural changes that took place during the 1960s. The songs of the time reflected the political and social movements of the era, including the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, and the counterculture movement. Many of the songs from the 1960s have become anthems of the era and are remembered and celebrated today. Some examples of songs that symbolize the 1960s include “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan, “We Shall Overcome” by Pete Seeger, “Imagine” by John Lennon, and “The Times They Are a-Changin’” by Bob Dylan. These songs and many others helped to shape the political and cultural landscape of the 1960s and continue to be remembered and celebrated today.

The 1960s were a tumultuous and transformative decade, marked by significant social and cultural changes. The music of the 1960s reflected these changes and played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the time.

Rock and roll, which had emerged in the 1950s, continued to be a major influence on popular music in the 1960s. Artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys helped to define the sound of the decade and became some of the most influential and popular musicians of all time.

The 1960s also saw the emergence of other important musical genres, such as soul, funk, and psychedelic rock. Motown records were a major force in the music industry, producing hits by artists like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and The Temptations. Funk bands like James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic also became popular in the 1960s, and psychedelic rock bands like The Grateful Dead and The Jimi Hendrix Experience introduced fresh sounds and experimental techniques to popular music.

Besides music, significant cultural and social changes also marked the 1960s. The civil rights movement, the counterculture movement, and the Vietnam War all played a role in shaping the social and political climate of the time. The 1960s were a time of significant change and upheaval, and the music and culture of the decade reflected these changes.

Here are some lyrics that came to define this singular decade.

You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows — “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” Bob Dylan

Why don't you all f-fade away / And don't try to dig what we all s-s-say / I'm not trying to cause a big s-s-sensation / I'm just talkin' 'bout my g-g-g-generation — ”My Generation,” The Who

All the lonely people / Where do they all come from? / All the lonely people / Where do they all belong? — “Eleanor Rigby,” the Beatles

What's your name? / Who's your daddy? / Is he rich like me? / Has he taken / Any time / To show you what you need to live? — “Time of the Season,” the Zombies

Please allow me to introduce myself / I'm a man of wealth and taste / I've been around for a long, long year / Stole many a man's soul and faith — “Sympathy for the Devil,” the Rolling Stones

I fell into a burning ring of fire / I went down, down, down / And the flames went higher / And it burns, burns, burns / The ring of fire — “Ring of Fire,” Johnny Cash

I ain't no psychiatrist, I ain't no doctor with degrees / But it don't take too much high IQ to see what you're doing to me — “Think,” Aretha Franklin

I've known of your, your secluded nights / I've even seen her, maybe once or twice / But is her sweet expression / Worth more than my love and affection? — “Stop! In the Name of Love,” the Supremes

I found a dream that I could speak to / A dream that I can call my own / I found a thrill to press my cheek to / A thrill that I've never known — “At Last,” Etta James

Different strokes for different folks / And so on and so on and scooby dooby doo-bee / Ooh, sha sha / We got to live together — “Everyday People,” Sly and the Family Stone

How well I remember the look that was in his eyes / Stealin' kisses from me on the sly / Takin' time to make time / Tellin' me that he's all mine — “Son of a Preacher Man,” Dusty Springfield

Here am I floating 'round my tin can / Far above the moon / Planet Earth is blue / And there's nothing I can do — “Space Oddity,” David Bowie

All the leaves are brown / And the sky is gray / I've been for a walk  / On a winter's day — “California Dreamin’,” the Mamas and the Papas