Since the early 90's Ron has released over 200 songs through solo CDs and DVDs, and digital releases. He's had numerous appearances on compilation CDs and as a guest performer for other artists, appeared on magazine covers, and as a soloist toured internationally headlining venues and guitar festivals. In 2008 Ron released the "Abnormal" album, described as "Sex Pistols meets Queen, with innovative guitar and a quirky Zappa-esque twist..." In 2011 he released a song a month that included transcriptions, alternate mixes and recording stems, as an innovative way to release singles.
As a child, Ron would play Bach pieces with his feet. Today, his guitar-work can be heard on Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy album, the theme of VH1's "That Metal Show", the Latin acoustic guitar on Jessica Simpson's "Irresistible" dance mix, and CNN-Turkey station IDs to name a few. Live, he's just as diverse, whether touring the world with GNR or at local fundraisers (notably performing with Nancy Sinatra, Cyndi Lauper, composer Fahir Atakoglu, and jazz legend Allen Toussaint.)
A record producer and songwriter for artists and publishing companies often working out of his own studio in Princeton NJ, Ron has written theme songs and background music for shows that include So You Think You Can Dance, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brokaw, Anthony Bourdan, MTV, VH1, MuchMusic, FuseTV, CW, SpikeTV, Oxygen, E!, A&E, ESPN, UFC, WWE, NFL, MLB, NBC, PBS, and SEGA, SSI and Atari videogames.
Ron is a Professor at SUNY Purchase College teaching music production, does guitar clinics around the world, and writes articles for music magazines. He is a volunteer for many charities such as Musicians On Call visiting sick children in hospitals and the MS Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that donates funds directly to Multiple Sclerosis research.
Old
Bumblefoot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're leavin' me out in the cold
My spine's collapsing - can't remember what I'm told
My entity gives way to mold
We're growing old - our functions go
We're moving slow - scraping the bone
We grow cold
Maxxing atrophy - turning back into an egg
My brittle frame covers in folds
My teeth are free from the oppression of the jaw
Got a Swiss cheese colon and an artery full of spitballs
We're growing old - our functions go
We're moving slow - scraping the bone
We grow cold
We're growing old - our functions go
We're moving slow - scraping the bone
We grow cold
The song "Old" by Bumblefoot is an honest and raw depiction of the challenges of growing old. The lyrics speak from the perspective of an elderly person who feels like a burden on those around them. The line "poor obsolete man - I'm a burden to you all" highlights the feeling of being left out and overlooked as one ages. The singer then goes on to describe the physical toll that aging has taken on them, with their spine collapsing and memory failing. The phrase "my entity gives way to mold" adds a stark visual image of decay and deterioration.
The next verse continues with a graphic description of the physical effects of aging. The singer describes their body as "maxxing atrophy" and "turning back into an egg", suggesting a reversal of the aging process. They also mention dental problems and digestive issues, painting a vivid picture of the difficulties that come with getting older.
The repeated refrain "we're growing old - our functions go, we're moving slow - scraping the bone, we grow cold" conveys a sense of inevitability and resignation. The singer seems to be acknowledging the reality of aging and all of its physical and emotional challenges.
Overall, "Old" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that confronts the difficult truths of aging head-on. It offers a powerful reminder to cherish our youth and to appreciate those who have lived long lives and are still with us.
Line by Line Meaning
Poor obsolete man - I'm a burden to you all
As I age, I become useless and feel like a burden to those around me.
You're leavin' me out in the cold
People are leaving me out in the cold and not including me in activities anymore.
My spine's collapsing - can't remember what I'm told
My physical and mental health is deteriorating, making it difficult for me to remember things.
My entity gives way to mold
My body is breaking down and decaying like mold.
Maxxing atrophy - turning back into an egg
My body is deteriorating and shrinking, like I'm turning back into an unborn egg.
My brittle frame covers in folds
My body is frail and covers in wrinkles and folds.
My teeth are free from the oppression of the jaw
My teeth are loose and falling out, no longer oppressed by the grip of my jaw.
Got a Swiss cheese colon and an artery full of spitballs
My body is full of holes and blockages, causing a range of health issues.
We're growing old - our functions go
As we age, our physical and mental capabilities deteriorate.
We're moving slow - scraping the bone
We become slower physically and might even feel pain in our bones.
We grow cold
As we age, we begin to feel cold more frequently and to a greater extent, as our bodies lose heat.
Contributed by Nicholas G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.