The meaning of the lyrics of the song "It Was a Very Good Year" by the artist "Willie Nelson"

In "It Was a Very Good Year," Willie Nelson takes a nostalgic look back on his life, using the metaphor of fine wine to describe his past romances and overall experiences.

Each verse focuses on a specific age – 17, 21, 25 – and describes the types of women he was drawn to at the time. At 17, it was simple "small-town girls," summertime flings under the open sky. At 21, with burgeoning adulthood, he's attracted to more sophisticated "big-city girls," hinting at his growing ambition and experience. At 25, he's drawn to "blue-blooded girls," symbolizing a peak of success and access to luxury.

It's notable that the song skips over the age of 30. This could be interpreted as a period of introspection, perhaps disappointment or loss, that the speaker chooses to omit. Instead, he jumps to 35, using the phrase "But now" which signifies a shift in tone. The days are getting shorter, the year is winding down, and he reflects on his life as "a vintage wine."

Wine, especially vintage wine, is often associated with richness, complexity, and refinement acquired over time. By saying his life is like a wine "from the finest and rarest vintage," Nelson implies that he's lived a full and satisfying life with no regrets. He embraces both the highs and lows, acknowledging that all these experiences have shaped him into the man he is.

The final line, "It's been a very good year," is a powerful statement filled with gratitude and contentment. Despite the inevitable approach of age, there's no bitterness or regret, but rather a deep satisfaction with a life well-lived.