The Folks Who Live On The Hill
Carmen McRae Lyrics


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Someday we'll build a home on a hilltop high,
You and I,
Shiny and new a cottage that two can fill.
And we'll be pleased to be called,
"The folks who live on the hill".

Someday we may be adding a thing or two,
A wing or two.
We will make changes as any fam'ly will,
But we will always be called,
"The folks who live on the hill".

Our veranda will command a view of meadows green,
The sort of veiw that seems to want to be seen.
And when the kids grow up and leave us,
We'll sit and look at the same old view,
Just we two.

Darby and Joan who used to be Jack and Jill,
The folks like to be called,




What they have always been called,
"The folks who live on the hill".

Overall Meaning

The Folks Who Live On The Hill by Carmen McRae is a romantic ballad about a couple's dream of a future together, building a home on a hilltop high, and then spending the rest of their lives enjoying the beauty that surrounds them. The song is a tribute to the tranquility and contentment that comes along with a simple life. The first verse speaks of the couple's shared vision of their soon-to-be home; they dream of a cottage where they can reside together. The second verse talks about the inevitable changes that they will make as a family, such as adding a wing or two to their humble abode. No matter the changes, however, they will always be known as "The folks who live on the hill."


The song describes a peaceful and picturesque life that the two will lead, with a veranda that commands a view of meadows green. The references made in the song to Jack and Jill, and how they are now "Darby and Joan," suggest that the couple will age together and stay true to the simple life they've built. The song serves as an anthem for people who appreciate and value simplicity and the joys of a peaceful and contented existence. It celebrates the promise of life's endless possibilities and fullness, whether spent in a cottage or a luxury villa, as long as you can find contentment.


Line by Line Meaning

Someday we'll build a home on a hilltop high,
One day we will construct a beautiful house on top of a hill


You and I,
Together, you and I will build this house


Shiny and new a cottage that two can fill.
A new and cozy house that we both can live in


And we'll be pleased to be called,
We will feel proud to be known as


"The folks who live on the hill".
Those who reside on the hill


Someday we may be adding a thing or two,
In time we may need some additions


A wing or two.
An additional room or two


We will make changes as any fam'ly will,
Like any other family, we will evolve and change over time


But we will always be called,
However, we will continue to be known as


"The folks who live on the hill".
Those who reside on the hill


Our veranda will command a view of meadows green,
Our porch will have a magnificent view of lush, green fields


The sort of veiw that seems to want to be seen.
A picturesque view that seems eager to be observed and admired


And when the kids grow up and leave us,
When our children become adults and move out


We'll sit and look at the same old view,
We will sit and gaze at the same beautiful sight


Just we two.
Just the two of us


Darby and Joan who used to be Jack and Jill,
A reference to an elderly couple in a traditional English folk story


The folks like to be called,
The couple prefers to be known as


What they have always been called,
Their long-standing name


"The folks who live on the hill".
Those who reside on the hill




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jerome Kern, Oscar II Hammerstein

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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