The Old Man of the Mountain
Hal Kemp & His Orchestra & Kay Thompson & Her Rhythm Singers Lyrics
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He tramps along while the folks all laugh
With a twinkle in his eye, he passes them by
The old man of the mountain
For he wears long hair and his feet are bare
He says he's mad as an old march hare
But his cares are none and he owes no one
He talks with the birds when he's lonely
He sleeps with the stars for a tent
The bees spread a feast when he's hungry
And god charges no rent
He'll live as long as the old oak tree
And laugh at fools like you and me
Oh, I often sigh and wish that I
Were the old man of the mountain
The old man of the mountain
The lyrics to "The Old Man of the Mountain" describe a character who exudes a sense of freedom and independence, even though he may be perceived as eccentric by others. The image of a man with a long white beard and a crooked staff walking confidently while others laugh at him suggests a sense of defiance against societal norms. Despite the ridicule he faces, there is a sparkle in his eye as he continues on his own path, undeterred by the opinions of others.
The mention of the old man's long hair and bare feet further reinforces his unconventional nature. He is described as being as crazy as an old march hare, yet he carries no burdens and owes nothing to anyone. This portrayal of the old man as carefree and unbound by material or social expectations emphasizes his rejection of conventional lifestyles and values.
The lyrics paint a picture of the old man's solitude and connection with nature. He converses with birds when lonely, sleeps under the stars, and receives sustenance from the bees without the need to pay rent. These depictions suggest a harmonious relationship with the natural world and a sense of contentment and self-sufficiency that transcends material possessions or social approval.
The final verses express a wistful longing to embody the old man's unfettered existence, free from the constraints and expectations of society. The old man is portrayed as timeless, living as long as an old oak tree and finding amusement in the folly of others. The singer of the song admits to sighing and wishing to trade places with this enigmatic figure, suggesting a yearning for a simpler, more authentic way of life that values freedom and connection with the natural world above all else.
Line by Line Meaning
With his long white beard and a crooked staff
A man with a distinguished appearance and wise demeanor
He tramps along while the folks all laugh
He continues on his path despite being mocked by others
With a twinkle in his eye, he passes them by
He moves forward with a sense of joy and contentment
The old man of the mountain
A symbol of wisdom, independence, and connection with nature
For he wears long hair and his feet are bare
Preferring simplicity and naturalness in his appearance
He says he's mad as an old march hare
Embracing his eccentricity and freedom from societal norms
But his cares are none and he owes no one
Unburdened by worries or debts to anyone
He talks with the birds when he's lonely
Finding solace and companionship in nature
He sleeps with the stars for a tent
Preferring the open sky as his shelter
The bees spread a feast when he's hungry
Nature provides for his needs without any expectation
And god charges no rent
He lives freely without any imposed limitations
He'll live as long as the old oak tree
A timeless figure, deeply rooted and resilient
And laugh at fools like you and me
Finding humor in the ways of the world and human behavior
Oh, I often sigh and wish that I
Reflecting on the desire for a simpler, carefree existence
Were the old man of the mountain
To embody the wisdom and freedom represented by the old man
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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