My Gen X Playlist: Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day

Last year, my niece was accepted to a pretty good school on the east coast. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a difficult year for her and after careful thought, she decided to return home.

Although she was confident in her decision to leave school, I could sense she wasn’t quite comfortable talking about it. I shared with her that my wife and I both transferred after our first year of school, too. Her eyes became big and it seemed to lighten the burden. There was comfort knowing she wasn’t the only one to make a change.

Transferring is no big deal, I told her. College will be an amazing time in your life. You’ve got to go somewhere you love. I’m glad you made the right choice for you.

In addition to academics, she wanted to attend a university with school spirit. My wife and I were thrilled to learn that she applied to our alma mater. Over the months, we tiptoed around the subject of admissions. We didn’t want to jinx it and patiently waited to hopefully hear good news. We were ecstatic when she texted photos of her on campus wearing the university gear, signaling she got in. My university oozes school spirit, almost to the point of cult-like proportions. I’m certain she’s going to love it there. (Plot twist: her parents attended our arch rival university across town.)

A few weekends ago was the start of college football season. I was excited she was going to the first game and couldn’t help texting her. I can’t wait to see her at the next family gathering so she can tell us all about her new life living on campus. We’re truly happy for her not only because she’s off to a new start, but also proud of her for turning the corner on a negative experience. Maybe it’s her first life lesson, something to build on.

I was surprised when I first heard Green Day’s Good Riddance (Time of Your Life). I wasn’t expecting an acoustic song from them. While a turn from their normal music style, I still was a big fan. The first verse has always stuck with me over the years. Although in a different context, it also can describe my niece’s turn of events.

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why
It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time

I can’t imagine what parents experience as they watch their kids go through ups and downs. We are just the auntie and uncle and it was difficult to imagine our niece struggle. It makes me wonder how my parent’s kept their sanity watching four kids leave the nest and allowing us room to learn life’s lessons first hand on our own. It certainly couldn’t have been easy to watch. I’m just glad my niece was able to pick herself up and set herself on a new course. I’ve always said, there is so much to learn during your college years and most of those lessons are not learned from sitting in a classroom. I do love the nostalgia – bumps, lumps and all. Man, those were the best times. Definitely the time of my life. I hope they are for her, too.

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life