This week on v/m, we reflect on the passing of time, aging, and memory. These songs were chosen not only for their lyrical meditations on these themes but for the emotional weight they carry. From Nina Simone’s timeless introspection to Sinatra’s wistful reflections, each track offers a unique perspective on what it means to grow older, remember the past, and embrace the fleeting nature of life. This selection invites you to pause, listen, and feel the beat of the clock.
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v/m is a newsletter designed around themed playlists & short-form writing.
We gather five songs and organize them to mirror the progression of a day: morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and late night.
We provide background and lyrical insights to enhance your listening experience and highlight moments that can be elevated with the music.
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Who Knows Where The Time Goes? – Live at Philharmonic Hall, New York, NY – October 1969
Nina Simone
Black Gold (1970)
“Time is a dictator.”
Start your day with this reflective tune by one of the greatest.
Opening with Simone’s preamble, she poses one of the ultimate questions: Where does the time go?
Her lyrics hint at a decision – to either obsess and worry or find contentment in the passing of time. Time is intertwined with change; nothing stays the same.
“I do not count the time.”
The track stands apart from her usual repertoire, featuring guitar instead of her signature piano. But midway through, the piano chimes in like the first breeze of winter, signaling seasonal shifts.
Nina Simone needs no explanation. Dive into the day with her boundless emotion.
Father And Son
Yusuf / Cat Stevens
Tea For The Tillerman (1970)
“It’s not time to make a change. / Just relax, take it easy.”
Cat Stevens (now Yusuf) delivers a tender ballad, an old man offering advice to his son. We begin at the end, reflecting backward and forward in time.
The song recognizes the inevitability of time’s passing:
“[...] take your time, think a lot [...] For you will still be here tomorrow / But your dreams may not.”
A classic for its message of embracing time with grace.
“I know that I have to go away.”
It Was A Very Good Year
Frank Sinatra
September Of My Years (1965)
September marks the afternoon of the year, and this song captures that midlife feeling. Sinatra himself turned 50 a few months after this album’s release in 1965.
Time walks hand-in-hand with memory. Nostalgia evokes longing for the irretrievable past.
Sinatra croons (although he begs to differ, see below) memories of women who defined different periods of a life. What moments will define yours?
The whimsical, dramatic strings elevate the track, echoing musical theater, unsurprising given the orchestral arrangements by Gordon Jenkins.
In the end, Sinatra leaves us with the sentiment that it was indeed a very good year – for a time.
“But now the days are short, I’m in the autumn of my years / 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.”
Done Got Old
Junior Kimbrough
First Recordings (2009)
If you’re unfamiliar with Junior Kimbrough, let’s explore together.
A guitarist and singer, Kimbrough was a cornerstone of Mississippi’s blues scene. His juke joint served as a hub for collaboration, documentaries, and countless hours of music.
This album is a collection of Kimbrough staples, including Done Got Old, a raw, hypnotic reflection on aging set to a steady, rocking beat.
As the sun sets, Kimbrough offers a stark meditation on the passage of time.
Remember – Rehearsal 1 / Out-take / Ultimate Mix
John Lennon
Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection (2021)
“Before you drift off, don’t forget. Which is to say, remember. Because remembering is so much more of a psychotic activity than forgetting.”
Waking Life, 2001
We close with a song of remembrance.
Living in the moment during times of joy and success allows us to recall those feelings during darker times.
“So if you ever change your mind / About leaving the world behind / Remember, remember today / And don’t you worry / ‘Bout what you’ve done / And don’t feel sorry / ‘Bout the way it’s gone.”
This rehearsal take feels more authentic than the album version. Lennon’s frustration at missing the timing adds to its rawness – a fitting track for winding down in the late hours.
Thanks for reading & listening!
We appreciate you taking the time to listen, read, and explore with us. Music is a journey, and we’re glad to have you along for the ride. We hope today’s playlist not only adds a little rhythm to your day but also sparks a few new discoveries along the way.
Keep your mind and ears open and that curiosity alive. Until next time!
With a paid subscription you get access to ExtendedPlay, our deep cut playlist. Each EP edition contains handpicked tracks that go beyond the chosen theme for hours of immersive listening.
