Alison Krauss (born July 23, 1971) is an American bluegrass-country singer… Read Full Bio ↴Alison Krauss (born July 23, 1971) is an American bluegrass-country singer, songwriter and fiddler. Signed to Rounder Records as a 14-year-old fiddler from Champaign, Illinois, she has become the most recognized face in contemporary bluegrass, a critically acclaimed artist who has brought modern sophistication to the genre while respecting its traditions. Songfacts reports that in 2011 Krauss recorded her first ever number one country album in her home country with Paper Airplane. She has also sold upwards of 11 million records and garnered 2 Oscar nominations as well as 26 Grammy® Awards, the most for any female artist in Grammy® history.

Also impressive is Krauss's unwavering commitment to being an independent-label artist who has succeeded far beyond the scope of many major-label artists. She has circulated freely within pop, mainstream country and roots music circles, as a solo artist and with her long-time band Union Station, creating impeccably produced records that appeal to an equally wide-ranging and inquisitive audience. Krauss has continued doing things the old-fashioned way: following her heart and whatever path the music takes her on.

Any Old Time
Alison Krauss Lyrics

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Any old time, you want to come back home
Drop me a line, and say no more you'll roam
You had your chance to play the game fair
When you left me, sweetheart
You only left a load of care

Now that you're down
I'm going to stick by you

If you will only say
Your roamin' days are thru

Well, now, you'll find me here

Like the day you left me alone any old time
You want to come back home

Overall Meaning

In the lyrics of "Any Old Time" by Alison Krauss, the singer expresses a sense of longing and forgiveness towards someone who had left them. The first verse captures the singer's willingness to welcome back the person they care about, inviting them to come back home whenever they decide to return. The imagery of "Drop me a line, and say no more you'll roam" conveys a sense of simplicity and directness in communication, as if the singer is waiting for a message or sign that the person is ready to return.

The following lines convey a sense of disappointment and hurt caused by the person's departure, emphasizing that they had a chance to be honest and fair in their actions but chose to leave behind a "load of care" instead. Despite this pain, the singer expresses a sense of loyalty and commitment towards the person, indicating that they are willing to stand by them now that they are down and in need of support. The line "Your roamin' days are thru" implies a desire for the person to end their wandering and finally come back home for good.

The bridge of the song shifts to a more introspective tone, as the singer reflects on their own feelings of loneliness and abandonment when the person originally left. The imagery of being left alone and waiting for the person's return highlights the ache of longing and the hope for reconciliation. The repetition of "any old time" throughout the lyrics reinforces the idea that the singer is always ready and willing to welcome the person back whenever they choose to come home.

In the closing lines of the song, the singer reiterates their steadfast presence and commitment, assuring the person that they will always be there for them. The repeated invitation to come back home echoes the theme of forgiveness and second chances, suggesting that despite the hurt and pain caused by the person's departure, the singer is willing to set aside their own feelings for the sake of love and reconciliation. Overall, the lyrics of "Any Old Time" convey a sense of longing, forgiveness, and unwavering devotion in the face of past hurt and betrayal, illustrating the complexity of emotions involved in relationships and the resilience of love.

Line by Line Meaning

Any old time, you want to come back home
Whenever you feel the need to return to the comfort of our home, I will always welcome you back.

Drop me a line, and say no more you'll roam
Communicate with me and promise that you will no longer wander or stray away.

You had your chance to play the game fair
You had the opportunity to be honest and fair in our relationship.

When you left me, sweetheart
When you chose to depart from me, my love.

You only left a load of care
The only thing you left behind was a burden of concern and worry.

Now that you're down
Now that you are facing difficulties.

I'm going to stick by you
I will remain loyal and supportive of you.

If you will only say
If you can simply express.

Your roamin' days are thru
That you are done wandering.

Well, now, you'll find me here
And now, you will always find me waiting here for you.

Like the day you left me alone any old time
Just like how you left me that one day in the past, I will be here whenever you decide to come back home.