"51st Anniversary" is a song by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, released in 1967 on their debut album "Are You Experienced". The song tells a story about the ups and downs of a long-term marriage. The lyrics begin with the celebration of a couple's fiftieth wedding anniversary and their anticipation for the fifty-first. It showcases a happy and loving partnership that has stood the test of time. The couple has settled into a contented life after thirty years of marriage and have enjoyed their journey together. However, the tone of the song changes when the narrator addresses someone who expresses their desire to get married. They warn about the other side of marriage, highlighting the negative aspects that can arise. The song shifts from the joyous celebration of a long-lasting romance to cautionary words about the potential challenges of marriage. The lyrics go on to describe the aftermath of ten, twenty, and thirty years of marriage. We witness a decline in happiness, with children going hungry due to a neglectful mother and a father seeking solace in alcohol. The couple is portrayed as growing tired of each other, leading to infidelity and the breakdown of their relationship. Towards the end of the song, the narrator addresses a seventeen-year-old, warning them about getting married too early. They urge the young person to enjoy their youth and not rush into commitment, as they believe they are not yet ready for it themselves. In essence, "51st Anniversary" explores both the joy and challenges of long-term relationships and serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of marriage. It encourages listeners to consider the realities of commitment before rushing into it.
