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Old Folks
Sadao Watanabe Lyrics
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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
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
Sadao Watanabe's song "Old Folks" is an ode to an elderly man who has become a beloved fixture in his community. The lyrics describe him as a free-spirited soul who floats in and out of people's lives like the changing of the seasons. Despite his quirks, such as leaving his spoon in his coffee and tucking his napkin up under his chin, everyone in town has come to adore him. The song paints a picture of a happy and content man, who enjoys the simple pleasures of life such as fishing.
The lyrics take a poignant turn in the final verse, where the singer contemplates a future without "Old Folks." The thought of a town without the elder's presence is incredibly lonely, and the innocence of children's laughter at play will be silenced. It's a reminder that no one is immortal, and with each passing year, the world loses pieces of itself.
The song's melody is reminiscent of classic jazz pieces from the mid-twentieth century, with a mellow saxophone solo that complements Watanabe's smooth voice. Its nostalgic feel fits perfectly with its theme of loss and remembrance. Overall, "Old Folks" is a beautiful tribute to an elderly man who has touched the lives of everyone around him, and a reminder to cherish the moments we have with loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone knows him as Old Folks
The Old Folks are a well-known person who is respected in the local community.
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
The Old Folks make periodic appearances and departures, figuratively similar to seasonal changes.
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
The Old Folks is an independent person who is honest, trustworthy and keeps his promises.
That's why everybody loves him so
Because of his honesty, people respect the Old Folks.
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
The Old Folks have a quirky habit of forgetting their spoon in their cup of coffee.
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
The Old Folks are neat and organized; they tuck their napkin high to prevent any mess.
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
The Old Folks find enjoyment in simple pleasures like watching cow dung age.
But you needn't be ashamed of him
Although the Old Folks have quirky habits, people should not be embarrassed to know them because of their otherwise admirable qualities.
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
The Old Folks have a regular hobby of fishing every Friday at a lake they particularly enjoy.
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Despite their best efforts in fishing, the Old Folks only catch a few small fish, missing out on the bigger one.
Looks like we warm the steak
It appears they will have to settle for less to eat, like a lower-quality piece of meat.
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
The Old Folks will eventually pass away and no longer be a part of their community.
What a lonesome old town this will be
Without the Old Folks, the town will lose a beloved figure, and there will be a sense of sadness and solitude.
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
Even the joyful noise of children playing will be impacted by the loss of the Old Folks.
The day they take the Old Folks away
When the Old Folks die, their memory will still endure in the community.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind