#49: Oh Very Young: Cat Stevens: 1974
Oh Very Young by Cat Stevens was released in 1974 on the Buddha and the Chocolate Box album. This song made it to the No10 in the US charts and is 2 minutes and 36 seconds of wisdom. Some say the lyrics refer to the death of Buddy Holly in a plane crash in 1959 which also killed Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and the pilot. Buddy Holly was 22 years of age at the time and he indeed was oh very young. This tragedy became known as The Day the Music Died since Don McLean refers to the event this way in his 1971 American Pie song. There is much that can be found on the www as well as documentaries and movies which relate this not to be forgotten tragic story.
Regardless of weather this is correct or open to debate, the lyrics of the song are enough to stand alone as words of timeless wisdom. We may depart this life at a very young age, which is a tragic circumstance, or we may live for 100 years, the words ring true in every case; You’re only dancin’ on this earth for a short while. Our lives are described as a vapour a puff of smoke that so quickly and easily vanishes. The question is what will you leave us this time? Will we carry the words of love with us?
In reality we all live faded and patched lives and we will all have to say sad good byes to the ones we love at some stage but while we are here we need to dance, and love and be filled with joy and hope. Reminds me of the lesson this morning from our “oh very young preacher”; he is 25-26 about the same age as Cat was when he penned these lyrics. He told us about the Gospel; “The Good News of great joy for all people.” Something to dance about! Something to take hold of! Life is short, precious, fragile – we must live it joyfully with an eye on Eternity and thankfully there is music to dance to along the way.
Way leads onto Way 