I originally produced this music with the intent of it being sung by its author, the veteran wordsmith and golden-voiced Jamie O'Hara (from The O'Kanes). It sat in the vault a few years, until recently when, upon observing our nation's reaction to the Covid pandemic, I was shocked by the rather sizable portion of our society who felt it was worth "surrendering" our elderly and high risk population for the sake of the almighty economy.

Granted, none of this was happening when the song was penned, though it certainly speaks to a deep-seated notion of expendability that does seem uniquely American, or perhaps Western as a whole, and has maybe existed in the bowels of our culture for longer than we're willing to acknowledge.

So amidst the turmoil, I called Jamie and reminded him we needed to finish this song, "It's Alright To Grow Old," to which he suggested that I sing it instead. At first I wasn't sure about the idea, feeling as though I hadn't yet "earned my stripes" to justify voicing these lyrics. But Jamie seemed pretty adamant.

As it were, I happened to have already recorded a placeholder vocal track years ago, so he'd know the framework of the song and how the sections were laid out prior to coming to the studio. When it came time to record MY "real vocal," it became quickly apparent that I couldn't beat the uninhibited delivery of that placeholder vocal, and so what you're hearing is my "scratch" vocal, which was done in one take (that never happens).

As I myself get older, I strive less for perfection and more for letting go. I suppose that's one of the gifts of aging and certainly wisdom we need our elders around to impart.

I hope this song finds you safe and loved. Thank you Jamie for trusting me with this orb of light.