For the last couple of years I've been going back to this song and another song which I'll put on another thread. I'm moved to tears as much by the songs ongoing associations with my life as with the lyrics and the structure. My children think I'm a silly old thing for being so sentimental over music - normally I am hard/strong/tough and don't show or take any sh.t but this one sends me to the river of tears. I've just finished listening and I'm so glad that music can take me to places in myself that I would probably never reach otherwise. Ah, the moments and memories in my life that this song contains..........

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.