Old Folks
Anderson Ernestine Lyrics
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Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
That's why everybody loves him so
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Looks like we warm the steak
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
What a lonesome old town this will be
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
The day they take the Old Folks away
The song "Old Folks" by Anderson Ernestine is an ode to a beloved elderly man known as Old Folks. The song opens with the singer highlighting how everyone in town knows and loves Old Folks. He's like the seasons, coming and going, but always welcomed back. Old Folks is described as "free as a bird and as good as his word," meaning he lives his life on his own terms and is reliable and honest.
The second verse provides a more descriptive image of Old Folks, including his quirks and habits. For example, he always leaves his spoon in his coffee and tucks his napkin under his chin. The reference to the "yellow cow-pie" being mellow and ripe is a colorful way of saying that Old Folks is unapologetically himself, and his quirks shouldn't be a source of shame. The final lines of the verse describe Old Folks' love of fishing, though he tends to only catch a few perch.
The final verse takes a melancholy turn, acknowledging that someday Old Folks won't be around anymore. The thought of a town without him is described as "lonesome," and even the sound of children playing will be silenced for a day. This line is a poignant reminder that even the smallest changes can have a profound impact on a community.
Overall, "Old Folks" is a touching tribute to a beloved member of a small town. It celebrates the joy and vibrancy of life in the present while acknowledging the transience of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone knows him as Old Folks
The old man is well-known and referred to as 'Old Folks' by everyone.
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
The old man's presence is compared to the seasonal cycle, as he comes and goes unpredictably.
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
The old man is independent and trustworthy, just like a free bird who keeps his promises.
That's why everybody loves him so
The reason behind the old man's popularity is his lovable nature.
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
The old man tends to forget his spoon in the coffee cup every time he drinks it.
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
The old man wraps his napkin around his neck while eating.
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
The old man enjoys eating a ripe yellow cowpie, which is not a popular food choice among many.
But you needn't be ashamed of him
Although the old man's habits may seem odd, one should not be ashamed of him.
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
The old man enjoys fishing at his favorite lake every Friday.
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
The old man has little success in catching fish, and the largest catch he ever had, which he calls the whale, slipped away.
Looks like we warm the steak
The old man's company seems to bring joy, and it feels like everyone is having a good time with him.
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
One day, the old man will not be around anymore.
What a lonesome old town this will be
The absence of the old man from the town would make it lonely and empty.
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
The children's playful sounds would cease upon the day of the old man's departure, due to the sadness of the townsfolk.
The day they take the Old Folks away
The day when all the old folks of the town get taken away would mark a sorrowful and dull time for the town.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind