The trio of Scott Walker (Noel Scott Engel), Gary Walker (Gary Leeds, formerly of The Standells), and John Walker (John Maus, November 12, 1943 - May 7, 2011) moved from the U.S. to Britain in 1965. Like The Ramones, they were not related, and adopted the same last name as a show business touch. They had only minor success in the U.S., but topped the UK singles charts with Make It Easy On Yourself in 1965 and The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore) in 1966.
After a UK tour in late 1967, which also featured Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Engelbert Humperdinck, followed by a tour of Japan in 1968, the group officially disbanded. After the group disbanded, all three members scored U.S. and UK chart hits, under their Walker names.
Reforming in 1974, The Walker Brothers recorded a version of Tom Rush's No Regrets which soared into the British Top Ten after an absence of over a decade. However, the three albums that followed sold poorly: No Regrets (1975), Lines (1976), and Nite Flights (1978). Scott Walker's tracks on the final album, Nite Flights, laid the stylistic groundwork for his later solo career.
John Walker died at his Los Angeles home on May 7, 2011
Old Folks
The Walker Brothers 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
The Walker Brothers' song "Old Folks" tells the story of an elderly man who is affectionately referred to as "Old Folks" by the people in his community. The song describes his habits and mannerisms, such as leaving his spoon in his coffee and tucking his napkin under his chin. Despite his quirks, people love him because he is always true to his word and free as a bird. The song also depicts the inevitability of aging and the eventual passing of this beloved figure. The lyrics suggest that when Old Folks is gone, his absence will be deeply felt by the community, as the once lively sounds of children playing will be replaced by silence.
One interpretation of the song is that it serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the importance of cherishing loved ones while they are still with us. The image of the lonely town in the absence of Old Folks serves as a metaphor for the emptiness that can come with losing loved ones. The song also speaks to the value of community and the bonds that people form with one another through common experiences and shared memories.
"Old Folks" was originally written by Willard Robison in 1938 and has been covered by various artists over the years. The Walker Brothers' version of the song was included on their 1968 album, "Images." The stunning vocals and sweeping orchestration make the song a standout, with Scott Walker's voice soaring above the lush instrumental accompaniment.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone knows him as Old Folks
He's a well-known, beloved figure around town
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
He's unpredictable and fleeting, like the natural rhythm of the seasons
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
He's a trustworthy and independent individual, like a bird soaring high above
That's why everybody loves him so
He's universally adored for his genuine, reliable nature
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
He's forgetful and absent-minded, often neglecting small details like his spoon in his coffee cup
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
He's proper and polite, observing etiquette such as tucking his napkin under his chin while eating
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
He's not embarrassed about his flatulence, as evidenced by the smell of cow dung which has a mellow, ripe aroma
But you needn't be ashamed of him
Despite his quirks, he's not a shameful or embarrassing person to be associated with
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
He has a predictable routine and enjoys simple pleasures like fishing at the lake every Friday
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
He's not a skilled fisherman, as he only catches small fish and never the great white whale he dreams of
Looks like we warm the steak
He's not a gourmet cook, as he tends to overcook his steak so it's well done rather than rare or medium rare
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
He's an elderly person who won't live forever
What a lonesome old town this will be
When he's gone, the town will feel empty and lonely without him
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
When he's gone, the joyous sounds of children playing will be silenced for a day in mourning
The day they take the Old Folks away
His eventual passing will be a sad day for the community
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind