My Old Man
Rhonda Watson Lyrics


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My old man
He's a singer in the park
He's a walker in the rain
He's a dancer in the dark
We don't need no piece of paper
From the city hall
Keeping us tied and true
My old man
Keeping away my blues

He's my sunshine in the morning
He's my fireworks at the end of the day
He's the warmest chord I ever heard
Play that warm chord, play and stay baby
We don't need no piece of paper
From the city hall
Keeping us tied and true
My old man
Keeping away my blues

But when he's gone
Me and them lonesome blues collide
The bed's too big
The frying pan's too wide

Then he comes home
And he takes me in his loving arms
And he tells me all his troubles
And he tells me all my charms
We don't need no piece of paper
From the city hall
Keeping us tied and true
No, my old man
Keeping away my blues

But when he's gone
Me and them lonesome blues collide
The bed's too big
The frying pan's too wide

My old man
He's a singer in the park
He's a walker in the rain
He's a dancer in the dark
We don't need no piece of paper
From the city hall
Keeping us tied and true




No, my old man
Keeping away my lonesome blues

Overall Meaning

"My Old Man" by Rhonda Watson is a touching tribute to the singer's partner who brings meaning and stability to her life. The first verse describes the different roles he plays in her life - a singer, walker and dancer - and emphasizes his importance to her by stating that they do not need a piece of paper from the city hall to keep them "tied and true." This line implies that, although they may not have a legal marriage certificate, they have a strong and loving connection that needs no validation or external recognition.


The second verse depicts the singer's partner as a source of joy and comfort - he is her "sunshine in the morning" and "fireworks at the end of the day." She also compares him to a warm chord, which is both a musical and emotional metaphor, evoking the feelings of comfort and familiarity that come from hearing a favorite song or being with a loved one. The repeated refrain "keeping away my blues" further emphasizes his positive impact on her life by suggesting that he is a cure for her sadness and loneliness.


The final verse expresses the singer's fear and loneliness when her partner is away, but also highlights the comfort and reassurance that he provides when he returns. The use of the bed and frying pan as symbols of their home and relationship adds a domestic and intimate dimension to the lyrics, making the song feel even more personal and heartfelt. In conclusion, "My Old Man" is a beautiful tribute to a loving and supportive partner who brings light and stability to the singer's life.


Line by Line Meaning

My old man
Refers to the singer's partner/lover/husband


He's a singer in the park
He sings, possibly for fun or as a hobby, in a public place like a park


He's a walker in the rain
He enjoys taking walks, even in the rain


He's a dancer in the dark
He likes to dance, possibly in a romantic setting like a dimly lit room


We don't need no piece of paper From the city hall Keeping us tied and true
They don't require a marriage certificate or any official document to confirm their relationship


My old man Keeping away my blues
The singer's partner brings joy and happiness to her life and keeps her from feeling sad


He's my sunshine in the morning
He brings brightness and positivity to her mornings


He's my fireworks at the end of the day
He's exciting and energizing, like fireworks, as the day ends


He's the warmest chord I ever heard Play that warm chord, play and stay baby
He makes the artist feel complete and fulfilled, and she wants him to continue being a part of her life


But when he's gone Me and them lonesome blues collide The bed's too big The frying pan's too wide
When he's not around, the artist feels lonely and uncomfortable


Then he comes home And he takes me in his loving arms And he tells me all his troubles And he tells me all my charms
When he returns, he comforts her by holding her and sharing his problems and compliments


No, my old man Keeping away my blues
The artist's partner continues to bring happiness and keep her from feeling sad




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHNNY MERCER, BERNARD D. HANIGHEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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