In 1957 while still in high school, Tillotson was making records and performing on stage; as a student at the University of Florida, he had his own musical variety show on regional television. Following graduation in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications, he signed with Cadence Records and moved to New York City to pursue his music career. In 1960, he recorded his first hit, a composition entitled "Poetry in Motion" (written by Anthony/Kaufman), that went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.
A "crossover" artist, several of Tillotson's songs were successful on both the country music charts and pop charts. He earned a Grammy Award nomination for another of his own compositions, "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin," and also for the song "Heartaches by the Number," nominated for Best Vocal Performance of 1965. He also appeared in the 1963 film "Just for Fun" and sang the theme song for the 1965 Sally Field television comedy "Gidget".
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Tillotson has recorded 26 singles that made it onto Billboard's charts, and performed at venues across the United States and other places around the globe.
He was featured in the 1966 camp comedy The Fat Spy starring Jayne Mansfield, Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jordan Christopher & the Wild Ones. This film was featured in the 2004 documentary The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made (#46).
This Ole House
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics
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This ole house was joy and comfort as we fought the storms of life
This ole house once rang with laughter this ole house heard many a shouts
Now she trembles in the darkness when the lightning walks about
I ain't a gonna need this house no longer ain't a gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges nor to mend the window panes
This ole house is a gettin' shaky this ole house is a gettin' old
This ole house stands in the rain this ole house stands in the cold
Oh my knees are gettin' chilly but I feel no fear or pain
Cause I can see an angel peekin' through a broken window pane
I ain't a gonna need this house no longer
This ole house is afraid of thunder this ole house is afraid of storms
This ole house just groans and trembles when the night come flings his arms
This ole house is a gettin' feeble this ole house is a needin' paint
Just like me it's tuckered out but I'm gonna get ready to meet the saints
I ain't a gonna need this house no longer
I ain't gonna need this house no longer I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints
The song "This Ole House" by Johnny Tillotson is a poignant reflection on the transience of life and the passing of time. The first verse describes how the house was once filled with joy, laughter, and comfort, but now it trembles in the darkness and is afraid of the storms of life. The second verse reflects the singer's own mortality, with mentions of not having time to fix the shingles or mend the window panes. The third verse shows how the house and the singer are both getting feeble, with groans and trembles, but also a sense of acceptance and readiness to meet the saints.
The lyrics of "This Ole House" are a powerful metaphor for the human experience. The house represents our physical form, which may be strong and vibrant in youth, but ultimately becomes weaker and more vulnerable with age. The storms, thunder, and cold represent the challenges and hardships we face in life, and the broken window pane represents a glimpse into the afterlife and the possibility of something better beyond this mortal coil.
The song has a classic country-western sound, with a simple melody and lyrics that tug at the heartstrings. Tillotson's voice is plaintive and emotional, conveying a sense of longing and nostalgia for a time and place that is now gone forever. "This Ole House" is a timeless classic that speaks to the human condition and the universal experiences of love, loss, and acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
This ole house once I knew my children this ole house once I knew my wife
This house was once a happy home, filled with the voices and love of my family.
This ole house was joy and comfort as we fought the storms of life
Despite the difficulties we faced in life, this home was a source of happiness and comfort for us.
This ole house once rang with laughter this ole house heard many a shouts
This house was filled with the sounds of joy and excitement, as we shared happy moments and celebrated achievements.
Now she trembles in the darkness when the lightning walks about
However, as time has passed, the house has become vulnerable and scared, shaking at the slightest disturbance.
Ain't got time to fix the shingles ain't got time to fix the floor
Sadly, I no longer have the time or ability to repair the house's damages or make it a comfortable home again.
Ain't got time to oil the hinges nor to mend the window panes
There is too much work that needs to be done on the house for me to handle, such as fixing or replacing broken parts.
I ain't gonna need this house no longer I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints
As I come to the end of my life, I know I won't need this house anymore and am preparing myself for the afterlife.
This ole house is a gettin' shaky this ole house is a gettin' old
The house is deteriorating and becoming unstable with age, much like myself.
Oh my knees are gettin' chilly but I feel no fear or pain
Although my physical condition is declining, I am not afraid or in pain, as I am at peace with my mortality.
Cause I can see an angel peekin' through a broken window pane
I feel comforted knowing that I am not alone and that there is a spiritual presence watching over me.
This ole house is afraid of thunder this ole house is afraid of storms
The house is sensitive to loud noises and storms, displaying fear through its groaning and trembling.
This ole house just groans and trembles when the night come flings his arms
Even at night, the house is not at peace but rather displays signs of unease and vulnerability.
This ole house is a gettin' feeble this ole house is a needin' paint
The house is gradually losing its strength and luster, making it difficult to maintain its appearance and structure.
Just like me it's tuckered out but I'm gonna get ready to meet the saints
Just like the house, I am tired and worn out but am preparing myself for the next life.
I ain't gonna need this house no longer
I know that I won't require this house anymore and have come to terms with that fact.
I ain't gonna need this house no longer I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints
As I prepare myself for the afterlife, I am letting go of my attachment to this house and looking forward to a new beginning.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stuart Hamblen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind