Old Folks
Miles Davis Lyrics


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Everyone knows him as Old Folks
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
But you needn't be ashamed of him
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

Overall Meaning

The Miles Davis Sextet's song "Old Folks" encompasses a nostalgic tone that describes an old man's way of life. The song's title "Old Folks" is a nickname for an old man who is known by everyone in town. The lyrics indicate that Old Folks moves in and out of town like the seasons. He is never tied down to one place or person. The old man is portrayed as someone who is free-spirited and trustworthy, which explains why he is loved by everyone in town.


The second verse describes Old Folks' habits while eating, such as leaving his spoon in his coffee, tucking his napkin under his chin, and enjoying a cow-pie. Despite his peculiar ways, people shouldn't be embarrassed about him. The third verse describes Old Folks as a fisherman who frequents his favorite lake every Friday but only manages to catch a few fish. The song ends on a note of melancholy, emphasizing that someday there will be no more Old Folks. The town will be quiet, and children's voices will be still, creating a lonely landscape.


In conclusion, the song "Old Folks" is a beautiful ode to the life of an old man. It depicts a world where people can be free-spirited and carefree, yet live simply in the moment. The song's minimalist style fosters a lovely atmosphere of reminiscence, making it a classic that will endure over time.


Line by Line Meaning

Everyone knows him as Old Folks
Old Folks is a well-known personality


Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
Old Folks visits occasionally


Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
Old Folks is independent and trustworthy


That's why everybody loves him so
People like Old Folks because of his personality


Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
Old Folks is forgetful


Tucks his napkin up under his chin
Old Folks has a peculiar way of using a napkin


And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
Old Folks likes to eat ripe, mellow cow-pie


But you needn't be ashamed of him
Don't be embarrassed because of the way Old Folks acts


Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
Old Folks enjoys fishing at his favorite lake


But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Old Folks doesn't always catch the fish he wants


Looks like we warm the steak
Seem like they have to cook their steak themselves


Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
Old Folks won't be around forever


What a lonesome old town this will be
The town will be sad without Old Folks


Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
The children will stop playing out of respect


The day they take the Old Folks away
Old Folks will be missed when he's gone




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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