Old And In The Way
Old & In the Way Lyrics
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Old and in the way, that's what I heard them say
They used to heed the words he said, but that was yesterday
Gold will turn to gray and youth will fade away
They'll never care about you, call you old and in the way
Once I hear tell, he was happy
He had his share of friends and good times
He don't have a place called home
Looking back to a better day, feeling old and in the way
[Chorus]
When just a boy, he left his home
Thought he'd have the world on a string
Now the years have come and gone
Through the streets he walks alone
Like the old dog gone astray, he's just old and in the way
[Chorus]
Old & In the Way's song "Old And In The Way" is a melancholic reflection on aging and the transience of life. The song's chorus presents the main theme, with the repeated line "old and in the way" serving as a poignant reminder that youth, friendships, and vitality will inevitably fade away with time. The lyrics go on to describe the story of a man who was once happy and surrounded by friends, but now faces a lonely old age with no place to call home. The verses alternate between exploring the man's past and present, highlighting the contrast between his youthful ambition and his current state of isolation.
Overall, the song serves as a reminder to cherish the present moment and to appreciate the people and experiences that bring meaning to our lives. It also speaks to the universal experience of growing old and the inevitable feelings of loss and displacement that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Old and in the way, that's what I heard them say
They called him old and in the way, indicating that he is no longer valued by society.
They used to heed the words he said, but that was yesterday
In the past, people paid attention to his opinions, but now they ignore him.
Gold will turn to gray and youth will fade away
Time changes everything, and nobody can escape the effects of aging.
They'll never care about you, call you old and in the way
People will treat you poorly once you become old and no longer useful to them.
Once I hear tell, he was happy
Rumors suggest that he was satisfied with his life in the past.
He had his share of friends and good times
He had a considerable number of friends and fond memories in his youth.
Now, those friends have all passed on
All of his friends have died, and he is left alone.
He don't have a place called home
He does not have a permanent residence or a place to belong.
Looking back to a better day, feeling old and in the way
He reminisces about his youth and feels unwanted and worthless due to his age.
When just a boy, he left his home
He left his family and home at a young age with high hopes.
Thought he'd have the world on a string
He expected to be in control of his own future and achieve great success.
Now the years have come and gone
Time has passed, and he has not accomplished what he had hoped for.
Through the streets he walks alone
He wanders by himself through the city.
Like the old dog gone astray, he's just old and in the way
People compare him to a lost and useless dog, no longer having a purpose in life.
[Chorus]
Repeating the theme of how society disregards the elderly and the effect of aging on an individual's worth.
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David McDonald
The greatest Bluegrass album ever produced. I met Vassar in the mid 1970's in a local gig with Paul Champion. I have tried over the years to find the album and just thought of it today.
moonlight gacha
It's crazy how some "Deadhead" was an actual musician!! Check out "Trampled by Turtles" David...another great bluegrass group. "Codeine" is a good oneπ..be careful though...it can be addictive πβοΈ
Eddie X
I used to listen to this song in college. Now it's my life story.
Jeff Sage
same here
Will Bennett
fuckin a
hope you had a good run at it buddy
Sandra Lavini
Exactly!! π
stonesinmyblood27
Mine too
Rory McKenzie
Eddie....yessir.
Russ D
Love it! I was at the Boarding House in 73 when this recording was made. It was an amazing time - and I was very fortunate to have seen this band performing several times in 73 and 74.
Tracy Emerson
Lucky you!