(2) One of the most accessible of all jazz pianists, Gene Harris' soulful style (influenced by Oscar Peterson and containing the blues-iness of a Junior Mance) was immediately likable and predictably excellent. After playing in an Army band (1951-1954), he formed a trio with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy which was, by 1956, known as the Three Sounds. The group was quite popular, and recorded regularly during 1956-1970 for Blue Note and Verve. Although the personnel changed and the music became more R&B-oriented in the early '70s, Harris retained the Three Sounds name for his later Blue Note sets. He retired to Boise, ID, in 1977, and was largely forgotten when Ray Brown persuaded him to return to the spotlight in the early '80s. Harris worked for a time with the Ray Brown Trio and led his own quartets in the years to follow, recording regularly for Concord and heading the Phillip Morris Superband on a few tours; 1998's Tribute to Count Basie even earned a Grammy nomination. While awaiting a kidney transplant, he died on January 16, 2000, at the age of 66. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
Old Folks
Gene Harris 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 Gene Harris is a poignant tribute to an elderly person who is beloved by everyone in the community. The subject of the song is known simply as Old Folks and though he is elderly, he is still free as a bird and as good as his word. The mention of the seasons references the idea that everyone grows old and eventually passes on, but Old Folks is still an essential part of the community for the time that he is there.
As the song goes on, Old Folks' quirks and habits are lovingly mentioned, including his tendency to leave his spoon in his coffee and tuck his napkin under his chin. Though it is also noted that he enjoys eating a yellow cow-pie. It is clear that despite these eccentricities, the singer believes that there's no need to be ashamed of Old Folks, as he is an integral part of the community. Every Friday, he goes fishing, but although he typically only hooks a perch or two, he relishes the experience. The song concludes with the acknowledgment that someday there will be no more Old Folks, and despite the pain of his loss, the community will continue on.
Overall, "Old Folks" is a touching tribute to the importance of cherishing our elders and recognizing their value within our communities.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone knows him as Old Folks
Old Folks is a person who is well known by everyone in the town
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
Old Folks is like the passing seasons - he appears and disappears periodically
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
Old Folks is a free-spirited person who always keeps his promises and is reliable
That's why everybody loves him so
People love Old Folks because of his trustworthy character and free-spiritedness
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
Old Folks often forgets to take his spoon out of his coffee cup after stirring
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
Old Folks is neat and tidy when he eats, using a napkin and tucking it under his chin
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
Old Folks enjoys eating a type of cheese made from cow's milk which has been matured to the point where it has a soft and creamy texture and a strong flavor
But you needn't be ashamed of him
Although some people might find Old Folks' quirks strange, there's no reason to be embarrassed by him
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
Old Folks enjoys going fishing every Friday at his preferred location by the lake
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Despite his regular fishing trips, Old Folks only manages to catch a few small fish as the big ones always seem to evade him
Looks like we warm the steak
Old Folks isn't much of a cook and often overcooks his steak
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
Old Folks will eventually pass away, leaving the town without his unique presence
What a lonesome old town this will be
When Old Folks is gone, the town will feel lonely and empty without him
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
On the day of Old Folks' passing, even the sounds of children playing will come to a halt out of respect for him
The day they take the Old Folks away
The day Old Folks leaves the town or passes away, will be a sad day for everyone who knew him
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ghairraigh
Volume 23 of the series by top jazz piano players who all sound so individual and different, all recorded with the same engineer and piano in the same room. The Series is now well over 40 albums.
Christine61
A break is good... but never from music :) Sending my kindest as I listen, think, remember and mellow out. This is lovely.
aurora d'arienzo
meraviglioso !
pnojazz
The one, the only, Mr. Gene Harris! We miss you Gene!
aurora d'arienzo
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