It was written by Diane L Rutledge and was first published in 1971 by Word Music Inc in Sing 'n' Celebrate. It is also referred to in this high school year book from 1974, and it was included on a couple of recordings (eg this one) from the same period.
After that, it has no mentions on the internet again until the early 2010's, when it appears in this American summer camp songbook, in few nostalgic blog-posts, and several recent videos loaded to YouTube - and it was requested by a visitor on this website.
It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Rutledge. This has a C (4/4) time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are B B d c cc c_, with accompanying chords G / C.
No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.
After that, it has no mentions on the internet again until the early 2010's, when it appears in this American summer camp songbook, in few nostalgic blog-posts, and several recent videos loaded to YouTube - and it was requested by a visitor on this website.
It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Rutledge. This has a C (4/4) time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are B B d c cc c_, with accompanying chords G / C.
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.
Examples
Singer with piano, acoustic:
Solo performance, piano accompaniment:
Solo singer,self-accompanied on piano:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:1 Go gently through the years, but go in strength ...
... for they’re a part of you and you’re alive.
Chorus
Climb mountains while you may, and sing your songs,
Start living every day; it won’t be long before you turn around
and wonder where life’s gone.
2 Go firmly through the night, but go in peace ...
3 Walk bravely through each day, and go in pride ...
"Go Gently Through the Years" was one of two songs that we sang at our wedding ceremony in 1979. (The other was "Let There Be Peace on Earth.) I've searched for years for a professional recording of this beautiful song but alas, the only quality "commercial" recording I could find was one by Don Whetstine on his album "Love One Another." The album is undated, but I believe it came out in the mid 1970's. Discog listing is here: https://www.discogs.com/release/13348065-Don-Whetstine-Love-One-Another
ReplyDeleteI was able to find mp3 files for the album and this song from Whetstine, but he sings it much slower than I remember it usually sung in the 1970's. I'm not sure of where I found the mp3 online; so glad I downloaded a copy.
The videos on YouTube sung by children are nice and all, but it would be really great if we could persuade a real professional musician to make an updated recording of the song.