This is a mostly autobiographical song (except for the "in the 80's" part--it was originally "in the 60's" but I didn't want to give away what an old fart I am!).
Story behind the song
A few years back, everything was really clicking in my life. I'd had a fun and interesting time when I was young but I'd come to feel that I was even happier today than ever before. Added note: The Bla-Bla Cafe was in the SanFernando Valley. It was a great place to catch terrific acts, like Al Jarreau before he became famous.
Lyrics
I’ll Take Today Any Day
We were popular kids in the eighties
Just a little bit north of L.A.
Had a great time back then—and I’d do it again
But I’ll take today any day
You ask me when I was the happiest
Without hesitation I’d say
Oh, my young years were fun—but when all’s said and done
I’ll take today any day
Today I’ve got friends I can count on
My life’s less uncertain, it’s true
And the best part of today is
I get to spend it with you
I was always in debt and in trouble
Way out on the edge, some would say
When I look back again—on how I lived then
I’ll take today any day
Oh, we all had a ball at the Bla-Bla
It was everyone’s favorite cafe
We’d stay up till dawn—and go on and on
But I’ll still take today any day
Today’s not just chaos and drama
Or finding new ways to get high
Now, my life’s richer and deeper
And I got what I need to get by
I’ve got wonderful days to look back on
And memories that won’t fade away
Oh, I’ll never forget—all the good times, and yet
I’ll take today any day
*Words And Music By John Eimen* *Copyright 2004*