"These are the years of the rest of our lives." This single line encompasses the great theme of the final track of EP Banji Mashide. For the most part, the romantic element of the song speaks for itself, exhorting the subjects to look closely at the finite nature of existence, to take the bull by the horns, work out what is most important, and seek joy together in the years that remain. The bridge lyric also speaks to Jimmy's personal philosophy regarding religion and life itself. He comments thus:
"You only live one time, even if you don't. And that's mostly true, right? For the vast majority, assuming reincarnation exists, nobody remembers what came before, and they don't know what comes after. There might even be a perfectly logical function underlying that process. After all, if you remembered every life, that could cause all kinds of anguish, and we certainly get enough from the one we're currently in. Also the joys, the loves, the laughter, it would become too muddled. So even you live a billion times, this one is the only one that really matters. For everyone else, the same applies. So don't waste it getting bogged down. Also don't waste it running away from everything, from what you really want or need. If you're going to start doing that, you'd better get fit, because you'll be running a long time. Life has a way of letting the things that should be in your life catch up with you, even if you try to escape them for whatever reason. So, whether you're quite young or quite old, remember, geologically speaking our lives are incredibly short. Every day from here on, well these are the years of the rest of your life. Tell a golden story to yourself, about yourself. Don't waste a minute. And if you're lucky enough to have love in your life, real love, don't waste a second ignoring it!"
Two of Jimmy's favourite moments recording Banji Mashide included hearing the voice of Logan Dove's blending with his own across the final chorus; and the joyful interpretation of multiple hooks in the song by way of Josh Appleby 's saxophone.
lyrics
If you want to start your running
You'd better get fit
An escape from our love
I will offer it
If you need to hide away
We can learn to lay stone
A neat little fortress
Call it a home
There's a light in the dark
It had better be you
There's a dawn outside
If you're ready
These are the years of the rest of our lives
These are the years of the rest of our lives
These are the years of the rest of our lives
I don't want to waste a minute
Can you feel the light of always
Tugging at your coat
Everybody got the bug
They all want to be afloat
If you need to burn your bridges
We got fire and smoke
But time isn't waiting
Forever in hope
There's a kiss on the lips
And a table for two
There's a door outside
If you're ready
These are the years of the rest of our lives
These are the years of the rest of our lives
These are the years of the rest of our lives
I don't want to waste a minute
You only get one light
Even if you don't
You only get one try
Even if you don't
You only live one time
Even if you don't
You only get one glide
Even if you don't
These are the years of the rest of our lives
These are the years of the rest of our lives
These are the years of the rest of our lives
I don't want to waste a minute
These are the years of the rest of our lives
These are the years of the rest of our lives
These are the years of the rest of our lives
I don't want to waste a minute
I don't want to waste a minute
I don't want to waste a minute
I don't want to waste a minute
I don't want to waste a minute
I don't want to waste a minute
credits
from Banji Mashide,
track released October 31, 2022
Words and Music: Jimmy Sky
Vocals: Jimmy Sky, Logan Dove
Guitar: Jimmy Sky
Bass: Govinda Doyle
Drums: Govinda Doyle
Percussion: Jimmy Sky
Strings: Cye Wood
Saxophone: Josh Appleby
Recorded at Studio 55
Produced, engineered and mixed by Govinda Doyle at Studio 55
Mastered by John Davis at Metropolis Studios
Copyright James T Sky (Jimmy Sky)2018
All Rights Reserved
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