The Last Waltz

The Last Waltz. 1978. Was it really 31 years ago? The Scorcese film captures great moments and feels entirely fresh.

To tell the truth it has never held my interest for more than a few songs on a television screen, but Rob and I went to see it tonight at the Fox theatre and it was incredibly moving. You just need to see some things on 'the big screen.'

The original group (1967-1976) consisted of four Canadians: Robbie Robertson (guitar, piano, vocals); Richard Manuel (piano, harmonica, drums, saxophone, organ, vocals); Garth Hudson (organ, piano, clavinet, accordion, synthesizer, saxophone); and Rick Danko (bass guitar, violin, trombone, vocals), and one American, Levon Helm (drums, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, vocals). I didn't realize it but the members of the Band first came together as they joined rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins' backing group, The Hawks, one by one between 1958 and 1963.

The film captures great music and live performances, intercut with insightful interviews featuring different members of the Band.

Amazing musicians — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ringo Starr, Ron Wood — appear in the film to help celebrate the Band's last performance, after 16 years of touring together on the road.

The scene of Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson playing Forever Young — the words and the music — an indelible moment.

Here are the lyrics... enjoy!

Forever Young

May God bless and keep you always

May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung

May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
Forever Young

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung

May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong

May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung

May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong

May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung

May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.