My Gen X Playlist: Twenty One – The Cranberries

When I was 20, I didn’t like when a liquor store owner or the casino pit boss asked to see my ID. For obvious reasons, I hated that. I was under 21.

When I turned 21, I almost wanted them ask me. C’mon. Ask me. I’ve got my ID at the ready, ready to flash with a flourish.

Later in my twenties, I was resigned that this was just the drill. They ask, I hand them my ID, transaction done. No sweat, no problem.

In my thirties, I had places to go and things to do (my delusional self-important self says). It was a nuisance when they asked. I’d hand over my ID with the hurry up, your bothering me attitude. Good grief. Get over myself. They’re just doing their job.

In my forties, it became a little bit of a joke. Seriously? My ID? You’ll laugh when you see my birth date, I thought. Little did I know, it was probably company policy to ask everyone for ID regardless of wrinkles or greying hair. It still felt good for a laugh, anyway.

Now in my fifties, I coast right on by the register without a second thought. I don’t look that young or that old, but you can at least throw the old man a bone and card me once in awhile. I won’t mind. Think of it as your good deed for the day. Give an old guy something to laugh about. It won’t cost you a nickel.

Funny how a simple question changes over the years…

Music Industry How To put together a list of best songs about being 21. The Cranberries’ Twenty One topped the list.

Dolores O’Riordan had a mesmerizing voice. She sang songs about growing up and facing the world on your own that became the theme music for young people in the mid-nineties. Her tone was fierce and angry while also being soft and warm. “Twenty-One” is about leaving old dreams behind and finding new reasons to live. She wrote it on her twenty first birthday.

– musicindustryhowto

I’m always amazed at the accomplishments people make at such a young age. O’Riordan wrote this beautiful song at age twenty one. Meanwhile, I was probably shot gunning a beer celebrating my birthday. There definitely is a wide gap in accomplishments there.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

I don't think it's going to happen anymore
You took my thoughts from me, now I want nothing more
And did you think you could just take it all away
I don't think it's happening, this is what I say

Leave me alone, leave me alone
Leave me alone 'cause I found it all
Twenty one, twenty one, twenty one

So I don't think it's going to happen' anymore
I don't think it's going to happen anymore

Twenty one, twenty one, twenty one
Twenty one, twenty one, twenty one

Today-a-a-a-a-a-a-y
Today-a-a-a-a-a-a-y
Today-a-a-a-a-a-a-y
Today-a-a-a-a-a-a-y

(Oh-oh-oh-oh-ah-ah)
Twenty one, twenty one
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-ah-ah)
Twenty one, twenty one
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-ah-ah)
Twenty one, twenty one
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-ah-ah)
Twenty one, twenty one
(A-a-ah, a-a-ah)
Twenty one, twenty one
(A-a-ah, a-a-ah)
Twenty one, twenty one, twenty one