When I’m Sixty-Four

For me, that’s today

At this somewhat melancholy time, I keep thinking of this song by The Beatles. These particular lyrics hit home the most.

“When I get older losing my hair.” — I thank my lucky stars that I still have all of my hair. I want to grow a beard, but it would be gray while my hair is brown. I’m not too fond of that two-tone look on me. So, no.

“If I’d been out till quarter of three, would you lock the door.” — Well, you see, I live alone, so I don’t have to worry about that. (And I still have nights where I come home at three!)

“I could be handy, mending a fuse when your lights have gone.” — If it’s inside and it needs repair, chances are I’m calling someone. Someday I’ll have to tell you about my $30,000 plumbing debacle.

“Doing the garden, digging the weeds.” — This I do daily with no abandon.

“Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I’m sixty-four.” — I don’t have a mate, so I’m singing this to myself. I will have to feed myself.

Most of the lyrics require a mate when talking about these aspects of aging. The song was released in 1967 on the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album. It was the first tune written by Paul McCartney when he was 14. More recently, the song was used over the opening credits of the 1982 film, “The World According to Garp,” if you can call that recent.

The coming year will most likely consist of hours comparing Medicare options. So much to look forward to.

I don’t feel like I’m sixty-four. But deep down inside, I’ve lived a thousand lives, and that’s how you get to sixty-four.

More by Arthur Keith in The Riff:

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