11 I See It Now
Frank Sinatra Lyrics


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That year in Oakland High
When I was seventeen
The grass from there to San Jose
Was high and cool and green

I see it now
Too brash and young was I
To know what time could mean
The old Acacia lawn cut down
Was felt but never seen

I see it now
That world I knew is lost to me
Loves have come and gone
The years go racing by
I live as best I can
And all at once I know
It means the making of a man
I see it now




I see it now
I see it now

Overall Meaning

In Frank Sinatra's song "I See It Now," the lyrics reminisce about a time in his youth, specifically when he was seventeen and attending Oakland High School. He reflects on how he was too young and naive to understand the importance of time and how he took for granted the serene beauty of the green and tall grass that stretched from Oakland to San Jose. Even though he felt the loss of the old Acacia lawn, which was cut down, he didn't take the time to fully appreciate it.


As he muses on the past, Sinatra realizes that the world he once knew is now forever changed and that time waits for no one. Love affairs have come and gone, and life has continued to race by him. However, he's come to understand that these experiences are a part of growing up and that it essentialy means "the making of a man." In this song, Sinatra's lyrics convey a sense of sorrow and longing for the past, as well as the maturity and wisdom that come with age.


Line by Line Meaning

That year in Oakland High
Referring to a particular year (unspecified) that the artist spent in high school in Oakland.


When I was seventeen
Referring to the artist's age during that particular year they spent in Oakland High.


The grass from there to San Jose
Describing the natural landscape of the area the artist is reminiscing about, which extends from Oakland to San Jose.


Was high and cool and green
Providing more detail about the appearance and atmosphere of the landscape, which the artist is fondly recalling.


I see it now
The artist's acknowledgement that they are able to clearly remember and visualize this particular moment in their life.


Too brash and young was I
The artist's realization that they may have been overly confident and naive during this time in their life.


To know what time could mean
Acknowledging that they did not fully understand or appreciate the significance of time and how it shapes our lives.


The old Acacia lawn cut down
Referring to a specific location or feature in the landscape the artist is reminiscing about, which has since been changed or removed.


Was felt but never seen
Reflecting on how the removal of this feature impacted their experience and perspective of the landscape, even though they never physically saw it being removed.


That world I knew is lost to me
Reflecting on how the specific time and place they are remembering is no longer accessible or how it has changed over time.


Loves have come and gone
Acknowledging that the artist has experienced various relationships throughout their life, which have subsequently ended or changed in some way.


The years go racing by
Reflecting on how time seems to move quickly and how they have many years behind them.


I live as best I can
Acknowledging the artist's current way of living their life or handling their experiences.


And all at once I know
The artist's sudden realization or understanding of something important.


It means the making of a man
The realization mentioned in the previous line is linked to an understanding of what it means to grow up and become a mature adult.


I see it now
Repeating the opening line as a bookend to the reflection, indicating the return to the present moment after reminiscing about the past.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ALEC WILDER, WILLIAM ENGVICK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@man-batman6775

Lycrics:
Some day, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight

Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight

With each word your tenderness grows
Tearin' my fear apart
And that laugh wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart

Lovely, never, never change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it? 'Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight

And that laugh that wrinkles your nose
It touches my foolish heart

Lovely, don't you ever change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it? 'Cause I love you
A just the way you look tonight

Mm, mm mm, mm,
Just the way you look tonight
(Thank me later just read them with song)



All comments from YouTube:

@SwingstarRecords

Do you remember Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO4I-0DGAn4&list=PLr60eSXgY4_CSusMczswc5Et9CEQVCMYJ&index=2&pp=gAQBiAQB8AUB 🌊

@HowieDewitt535

Bruh of course but why are you returning here? Because it has 70 million views and you want to get some on your newer music video thingies?

@hypnotherapist2211

Ah I loved that song....🎉

@SweepzyFN

I’m drumming this song for my school big band!

@beverlystraus9300

I was never fond of the song Beyond the Sea though

@luisu.3657

Lp​@@HowieDewitt535

@sincere9079

Legends may die, but their music will live on forever.

@largealmond3085

"Double Cup"

@uhumanu6600

lean on em youngblood

@ronaldcevallos7444

Santa

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