Some songs just bring back happy memories.

Some songs just bring back happy memories.

Growing up I was (and still am) a fan of John Denver's music. Annie's song was a hot 45 record one summer. The flip side was Cool and Green and Shady. I must have drug the record player, the extension cord, blanket and pillow out front under the maple tree for over two weeks. I played those songs over, and over, and over, and over for hours. I'd make cloud pictures, give myself a manicure with outrageous colors in bright reds, blues, purples, and any color that had sparkles in it; or just watch the cars pass by. Those songs can still invoke that sense of peace and joy today.

Cool An' Green An' Shady

(Denver/Henry)

Saturdays,

holidays,

easy afternoons,

lazy days,

sunny days, nothing much to do.

Rainy days are better days for hanging out inside.

Grainy days and city ways make me want to hide

some place

cool and green and shady.

Find yourself a piece of grassy ground,

lay down close your eyes.

Find yourself and maybe lose yourself

while your free spirit flies.

August skies, and lullabies,

promises to keep,

dandelions and twisting vines,

clover at your feet.

Memories of aspen leaves trembling on the wind,

honey bees and fantasies,

where to start again,

some place cool and green and shady.

Cool and green and shady.

Cool and green and shady.

Cool and green and shady.