#262 / As Time Goes By

Click here, or on the image of the record, to hear the famous song from Casablanca, as sung by Rudy Vallée. Here are the lyrics, too, for those who may be unfamiliar with this song (i.e., younger people, among whom I really do feel like including myself, since this song was written the year before I was born, and my memory of it is basically from having heard my father sing it, during the time I was growing up): 

As Time Goes By 

Music and words by Herman Hupfeld   

This day and age we're living in
Gives cause for apprehension
With speed and new invention
And things like fourth dimension.  

Yet we get a trifle weary
With Mr. Einstein's theory.
So we must get down to earth at times
Relax relieve the tension 

And no matter what the progress
Or what may yet be proved
The simple facts of life are such
They cannot be removed. 

You must remember this
A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh.
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by. 

And when two lovers woo
They still say, "I love you."
On that you can rely
No matter what the future brings
As time goes by. 

Moonlight and love songs
Never out of date.
Hearts full of passion
Jealousy and hate.
Woman needs man
And man must have his mate
That no one can deny. 

It's still the same old story
A fight for love and glory
A case of do or die.
The world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by. 

Oh yes, the world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by. 

© 1931 Warner Bros. Music Corporation, ASCAP

I looked up this song because I have been thinking, recently, about time "going by." A few weeks ago, I realized that I am now in a "20/20" position. I served on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors for twenty years (from 1975 to 1995), and at the end of this year I will have been "off" the Board for twenty years. Since those first twenty years are still vividly with me, I was surprised when I realized that I have now been "retired" from the Board for just about the same amount of time I served on it. 

I don't feel I've changed that much. It's still the "same old story."

But time goes by!

FOOTNOTE: Just as a point of historical interest, Rudy Vallée is not the only performer to have sung this song. Click here for what I am sure must be only a "partial list" of those who have performed it. According to the notes, Bob Dylan even sang "As Times Goes By," on January 9, 1959, at the Jacket Jamboree in Hibbing Minnesota. 

Image Credit: 
http://www.authentichistory.com/1939-1945/3-music/11-Separation/19420121_As_Time_Goes_By-Rudy_Vallee.html