Hill began playing professionally in 1943 but held a day job as a mailman in his birthplace of Washington, D.C. for over thirty years. He played with Charlie Byrd in 1958-59, but was only occasionally active during the 1960s. In 1973, he recorded with Washington-area trumpeter Allan Houser. He has recorded copiously as a leader since the 1970s.
Discography
This Is Buck Hill (SteepleChase Records, 1978)
Scope (SteepleChase, 1979)
Easy to Love (SteepleChase, 1981)
Playse Europe (Turning Point Records, 1982)
Impressions (SteepleChase, 1983)
Capital Hill (Muse Records, 1989)
The Buck Stops Here (Muse, 1990)
I'm Beginning to See the Light (Muse, 1991)
Impulse (Muse, 1992)
Northsea Festival (SteepleChase, 1997)
Uh Huh! Buck Hill Live at Montpelier (Jazzmont, 2000)
Relax (Severn Records, 2006)
As sideman
With Charlie Byrd
"Jazz At The Showboat" (Off Beat, 1957)
Byrd's Word! (Riverside, 1958)
Byrd in the Wind (Riverside, 1959)
With Shirley Horn
Close Enough for Love (Verve, 1989)
You Won't Forget Me (Verve, 1991)
The Main Ingredient (Verve, 1995)
With Shirley Scott
Great Scott! (Muse, 1991)
Old Folks
Buck Hill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 Buck Hill is a nostalgic tribute to an old man who is loved by everyone in the town. The opening line "Everyone knows him as Old Folks" sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the familiarity and respect that the town has for this man. The lyrics go on to describe his free-spirited nature, as he comes and goes like the seasons. Despite his age, he is as good as his word and just as free as a bird. The love and admiration that the town has for him is evident in the refrain, "That's why everybody loves him so".
The verses of the song offer more details about Old Folks' daily life. We learn that he always leaves his spoon in his coffee and tucks his napkin under his chin. The mention of the "yellow cow-pie" highlights the song's rural setting and adds to the sense of nostalgia. Even though Old Folks may seem eccentric or out of place to some, the song reminds us that we needn't be ashamed of him. The final verse is a poignant reminder that someday Old Folks will be gone and the town will be a little lonelier without him. The image of children's voices falling silent for a day underscores the importance of this beloved figure.
Overall, "Old Folks" is a simple yet powerful ode to the people who hold a special place in our hearts. The song captures a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time and reminds us to cherish the people who make our lives richer.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone knows him as Old Folks
The entire town is familiar with Old Folks and his ways.
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
Old Folks is unpredictable and may come and go like the change of seasons.
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
Old Folks is free-spirited and reliable, making him well-liked by all.
That's why everybody loves him so
Old Folks' endearing personality and dependable character make him universally loved.
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
Old Folks has a forgetful nature and may leave his spoon in his cup.
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
Old Folks has a habit of tucking his napkin under his chin while eating.
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
Old Folks has a strange food preference for a yellow cow excrement that has mellowed, and he enjoys it despite it being odd or off-putting to others.
But you needn't be ashamed of him
Despite Old Folks' quirks, the townspeople accept him and don't judge him harshly.
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
Old Folks has a habit of going fishing every Friday at a specific lake he enjoys.
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Old Folks usually doesn't catch much while fishing, and has a humorous outlook about never catching the 'whale' he hopes for.
Looks like we warm the steak
Since Old Folks usually doesn't catch much while fishing, it seems like they'll just have to settle for warming up a steak instead of having fresh fish.
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
As with all people, Old Folks won't live forever and one day he will pass away.
What a lonesome old town this will be
The town will feel a great loss when Old Folks is gone and will be less vibrant without him.
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
Even the joyful sounds of children playing will be muted for a time when Old Folks dies.
The day they take the Old Folks away
The day Old Folks dies or leaves will be a sad and difficult one for the entire town.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Karras
I noticed that there was NOT ONE PERSON OF COLOR..in your celebration of life..