The Boilermakers perform at swing dance events, concerts, clubs and weddings. The band emphasizes maintaining an authentic period flavor, and are also known for a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek attitude. Notable examples of this include a cha-cha rendition of C is for Cookie, political satire in a parody of Flat Floot Floogie known as Spank Your Monkey, and references to a long-defunct corporate sponsor of Duquesne Brewing Company.
The Boilermakers have proven to be extremely popular among swing dance enthusiasts, being one of the most requested bands of its type, especially on the East Coast of the United States. In fact, dancers will often travel long distances in order to see the Boilermakers for consecutive nights.
Out of Nowhere
Boilermaker Jazz Band 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 Boilermaker Jazz Band's song 'Out of Nowhere' is a nostalgic and touching ode to an elder in the singer's life, who is referred to as 'Old Folks'. The opening line, "Everyone knows him as Old Folks" sets the tone for the rest of the song. Despite his age, Old Folks is still full of life, and like the changing of the seasons, he comes and goes as he pleases. He's described as someone who is carefree and reliable, which makes him beloved by everyone who knows him.
The second stanza in the song is dedicated to some of Old Folks' idiosyncrasies. He's described leaving his spoon in his coffee and placing his napkin under his chin while eating. The line about the "yellow cow-pie" might be a reference to a dessert like a custard or pie that's visually unappealing but still tasty. The singer emphasizes that Old Folks' quirks do not detract from his charm; in fact, they endear him to those around him even more.
The third and final stanza is melancholic, as the singer contemplates the possibility of Old Folks' eventual death. The verse's mood is somber, as the singer acknowledges that when Old Folks is gone, the world will be a sadder and emptier place. The optimism and joy that Old Folks brought to everyone around him will be missing, and the singer paints a picture of a silent and stagnant world, devoid of the joy and vibrancy Old Folks brought to it.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone knows him as Old Folks
He is popular and well-known by everyone as Old Folks
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
Similar to how seasons come and go, he also comes and goes
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
He is free in his movements and reliable in his promises, just like a bird flying around
That's why everybody loves him so
His freedom and reliability have made him loved by everyone
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
He forgets small things like his spoon in the coffee
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
He keeps his napkin on his face while eating
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
He enjoys eating a yellowish-brown cow patty that is well-cooked
But you needn't be ashamed of him
Despite his forgetfulness and unique eating habits, there's no need to feel embarrassed of him
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
On every Friday, he goes fishing in his favorite lake
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Despite his fishing efforts, he only catches a handful of perch and never catches the whale he so desires
Looks like we warm the steak
It appears that they cook steaks in a warm manner
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
At some point, Old Folks will no longer be around
What a lonesome old town this will be
Without Old Folks, the town will feel lonely and sad
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
Even the sounds of children playing will be quiet for a day
The day they take the Old Folks away
The day that Old Folks are gone for good
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind