I'm Old Fashioned
Jerome Kern Lyrics


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I am not such a clever one
About the latest fads
I admit I was never one
Adored by local lads
Not that I ever try to be a saint
I'm the type that they classify as quaint
I'm old fashioned
I love the moonlight
I love the old fashioned things
The sound of rain
Upon a window pane
The starry song that April sings
This year's fancies
Are passing fancies
But sighing sighs holding hands
These my heart understands
I know I'm old fashioned
But I don't mind it
That's how I want to be
As long as you agree
To stay old fashioned with me

I'm old fashioned
But I don't mind it
That's how I want to be
As long as you agree
To stay old fashioned with me




Oh won't you stay old fashioned with me
Oh please stay old fashioned with me

Overall Meaning

In Jerome Kern’s song, “I’m Old Fashioned,” the singer admits to not keeping up with the latest trends and fads, but instead prefers old-fashioned things such as romantic moonlight, the sound of rain dropping on the windowpane, and the starry song that April sings. While others may swoon over this year’s current fancies, the singer is content with the simplicity of holding hands and sighing sighs. The singer knows they may be perceived as outdated or “quaint” by society’s standards, but they don’t mind, as long as their partner is willing to stay old-fashioned with them.


The song is a romantic and nostalgic portrayal of a simpler time, where love and connection were more important than material possessions or societal status. The singer’s appreciation for the small things in life, such as the beauty of nature or the comfort of being held by a loved one, showcases their values and priorities. The message of the song is timeless and universal, as it speaks to the universal desire for love and connection that transcends time and trends.


Line by Line Meaning

I am not such a clever one
I am not particularly knowledgeable about trendy things


About the latest fads
Specifically, I am not up-to-date with the newest trends


I admit I was never one
I must confess that I have never been


Adored by local lads
The object of local boys' admiration


Not that I ever try to be a saint
I do not attempt to be a virtuous or perfect individual


I'm the type that they classify as quaint
I am the kind of person whom others often describe as charmingly old-fashioned


I'm old fashioned
I am traditional and prefer things that are old-fashioned


I love the moonlight
I enjoy the sight of the moon at night


I love the old fashioned things
I particularly like things from the past


The sound of rain
I find the sound of raindrops falling to be soothing


Upon a window pane
Especially when it is striking a window pane


The starry song that April sings
I am also fond of the sounds of nature, particularly the stars in the sky during April


This year's fancies
I understand that this year's interests


Are passing fancies
Are likely to change and not last for very long


But sighing sighs holding hands
However, I have found that holding hands while feeling wistful is timeless


These my heart understands
My heart clearly comprehends this concept


I know I'm old fashioned
I am aware that I am indeed old-fashioned


But I don't mind it
However, I am at peace with this fact


That's how I want to be
In fact, being old-fashioned appeals to me


As long as you agree
Provided that you also share my preferences


To stay old fashioned with me
And are willing to stay true to traditional ways with me


Oh won't you stay old fashioned with me
I implore you to remain old-fashioned with me


Oh please stay old fashioned with me
I ask that you kindly remain traditional with me




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Jerome Kern

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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