What Harry Harrison's "May You Always" Means To Me

Every year on #HardwayHQ, I love to play on our yearly end episode “May You Always” by Harry Harrison. Since there hasn’t been a podcast in months, instead of rushing one out, I decided to write about the meaning of this song to me.

WCBS-FM was always on during the holiday season in the Harder household. And at least once a day, in between Dominic the Donkey and Feliz Navidad, this little diddy would be on. I always remember, as far back as I could, getting choked hearing this. And ultimately, I never knew why.

With years gone by, and an up-and-down 2018 in the books, I really started to reflect a lot on what this song really means. I think I have a good grasp on it.

It takes me back to my childhood. Every morning, before I’d go to school, Harry Harrison was the “Morning Mayor” on WCBS-FM. Every day would be unwrapped like a precious gift whenever he was on the radio. Mr. Harrison was a fun, light-hearted maestro to the days of the 50s and 60s with the songs played and his content, especially with weatherman Mr. G. Honestly, hearing the soft yet strong tones of the “Morning Mayor” brings me to a time where I was a little more naive and when life was a little more simple.

It brings me optimism. Listening to the words, you think positivity. You believe in hope. Especially around the holidays, when you are alone, it helps boost spirits and makes you believe in life. There is so much negativity in the world: take two minutes and thirty-five seconds out and really take a listen to the words. You’ll be glad you did.

Lastly, it makes me think to the future. 2018 was the toughest year in my life. So many emotions went through my body in 2018 that it did a whirlwind. Yet somehow, I’m still standing. I’m still here. There is more life to live. This year might not have been great, but 2019 might be. It will be.

As Doc Brown said in the end of Back To The Future 3, “Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” When I listen to “May You Always”, I do that. I believe. And I truly will do my best to make it happen, because life is worth living, through good and bad. ALWAYS.

Happy New Year, everyone. See you next year.

Jon Harder thejonharder@gmail.com