My best friend Katie Mcgregor's favourite artist is Frank Sinatra, and while anyone who knows me KNOWS my favorite artist is Sting, another artist I love almost as much is Nat King Cole. So often, Katie and I will have a battle of Nat vs Frank (espically around Christmas time) as to which singer was better... I argue Frank had an unfair advantage since he lived much longer than Nat King Cole. The truth is they were both incredible artists.
There is one song in partiucular of Nat King Cole, which I've always enjoyed because of its simplicity and depth of truth in the final stanza:
"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"
I believe I've achieved a lot in my young life so far. I've stood on top of the podium, gone to the Olympic Games, pursued academic excellence, travelled the world, seen and met incredible people including celebrities, presidents and royalty. But, without a doubt all of that pales in comparison to 2 things many people have, yet fail to truly appreciate -- their health and love. I do not believe it is possible to exist happily in this world without knowing these 2 things intimately. It's all we really need in this life, and yet so often we take it for granted. The irony in this song is revealed in the fact that it is a wise BOY who enlightens this value of love to a MAN.... And perhaps that is why I've always loved this simple song... Enjoy! :)
Nature Boy -- Nat King Cole -- Words and Music by Eden Ahbez
There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy
And sad of eye
But very wise
Was he
And then one day
A magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things, fools and kings
This he said to me
"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"
(instrumental interlude)
"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"
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