I have been a Neil Young fan for many years, back from his days with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. I have so many favorite Neil Young songs that it would take too much space to list them all.
His twenty-seventh study album was released in 2005. It is entitled, “Prairie Wind.” He wrote and recorded the CD when he was awaiting a very serious brain operation. The album was nominated for a Grammy.
My favorite track on the CD is called, “This Old Guitar.” He recorded the song on an old Hank Williams guitar that he had recently acquired.
The opening line states, “This old guitar ain’t mine to keep, just taking care of it now.” True words. Profound words.
It reminds us that we are not here to stay. We are only here for a while; as the scripture says, “pilgrims” passing through. Whatever we acquire is only ours to keep for a while.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing!” (I Timothy 6:7)
David prayed, “Lord, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” (Psalm 39:4)
Thank you, Neil, for giving a reminder to your fans about the brevity of life.
May God help us to make each day count for Christ.