Robbie Williams recorded this song in duet with Frank Sinatra. Williams sings the first two verses, and a recording of Sinatra is used for the vocals on the third and fourth verses. Williams explains this came about after one of his session musicians played his vocals to Sinatra's family. This musician was purportedly a good friend of the family, and played with Sinatra on the original release of 'It Was a Very Good Year'. Impressed by Williams performance, Sinatra's family gave their permission for a digital mastered duet with Sinatra.
It Was A Very Good Year
Robbie Williams Lyrics
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It was a very good year for small town girls and soft summer nights
We'd hide from the light on the village green when I was seventeen
When I was twenty-one, it was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls who lived up the stairs
With perfume hair, and it came undone
When I was twenty-one
When I was thirty-five, it was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls of independent means
We'd ride in limousines, their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five
But now the days are short, I'm in the Autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine from fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs it poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year
Robbie Williams's song "It Was A Very Good Year" is a nostalgic and reflective ode to different stages of life. The first verse is about the singer's memories of being seventeen, about small town girls and soft summer nights, and how they would hide from the light on the village green. This verse conveys a sense of youthful innocence and simplicity, where life was uncomplicated and carefree. The second verse then transitions to the age of twenty-one, and how it was a very good year for city girls living in the apartments above. The allusion to "perfume hair" hints at the hedonistic pleasures of youth, of carefree nights spent with intoxicating people. The third verse takes us to thirty-five, and how it was a very good year for blue-blooded girls of independent means, who spent their time riding in limousines driven by chauffeurs. This verse is the most overtly aspirational, and suggests that by this age people have achieved some degree of success and status.
The final part of the song is a reflection on the present, where the singer is in the Autumn of their life. Now, they think of their life as "vintage wine from fine old kegs". It's a bittersweet moment, where the sweetness of the memories is tempered by the realization of time passing. Though the experiences have been manifold and the memories are many, the singer acknowledges that the days are short and that the end is approaching. The song lets the listener take a journey through different stages of life, reminiscing the memories of the past and being grateful for what they have experienced. Overall, "It Was A Very Good Year" is a beautiful and sentimental celebration of life, one that reminds us to cherish every moment.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was seventeen, it was a very good year
At the age of seventeen, I experienced a wonderful time
It was a very good year for small town girls and soft summer nights
I had great times with girls from my small town on warm summer nights
We'd hide from the light on the village green when I was seventeen
We would seek shelter from the bright light on the town green to enjoy the moment
When I was twenty-one, it was a very good year
At twenty-one, I had another great year
It was a very good year for city girls who lived up the stairs
I enjoyed the company of confident and independent city girls living in apartments
With perfume hair, and it came undone
They were stunning, with lovely perfume fragrances, and sometimes, we could not resist falling apart
When I was thirty-five, it was a very good year
At the age of thirty-five, I experienced another fantastic year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls of independent means
I had an incredible time with wealthy and independent women with royal ancestry
We'd ride in limousines, their chauffeurs would drive
Their drivers would escort us in luxury vehicles
But now the days are short, I'm in the Autumn of the year
I am now in the autumn of my life, and time seems to be flying by
And now I think of my life as vintage wine from fine old kegs
I think of my life as premium, aged wine stored in high-quality casks
From the brim to the dregs it poured sweet and clear
My life was full of wonderful experiences and left no regrets
It was a very good year
Overall, my years were filled with positivity, good memories, and delightful experiences
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ervin Drake
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Wayne Stirling
20 years ago he gave us this.... Where did he go!? He's arguably one of the best entertainers of our generation and I feel robbed we didn't get more of him like this
Tony Pincham
He did do a follow up album of swing music (Swing both ways), then his Christmas album was great
Lloyd Matthews
He got too big headed I’m afraid
Ellen M
I absolutely love this version, not just because Robbie sounds fantastic singing 'with' Frank, but you can tell how much this meant to him.
Lily Loves
My God, how many times I've listened to this album. It was on repeat for years and years. 💘
Sally La Haye
What a wonderful performance Robbie & a beautiful song.
Roy Calzada
Robbie at his best with this classic song, done very good Frank would be smiling!
coca2ine
A great song, Robbie does it well.
Secret
I think I prefer Robbie singing honestly.
Wawiya
This was beautifully sung! 💜❤️🧡 This rings so true in life Life is short enjoy it