Saga Of The Ageing Orphan
Thin Lizzy Lyrics


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Father and I waved goodbye
As we went to look
Uncle Peter was writing a book
And his mama was starting to cook
And she's aging

We had come in search of one
Who evades us all
Never heeds the call
If only someone could stall
This aging

So I'll go and hope and know
That my time is near
Laughing through the years




Having only fears
Of aging, of aging

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Thin Lizzy's song "Saga of the Ageing Orphan" tells the story of a father and his child who are in search of someone who apparently evades them all. As they wave goodbye, the father and child embark on their journey, leaving behind Uncle Peter who was writing a book, and the mother who is aging and starting to cook. The child is hoping that someone could stall the aging process, which is the underlying theme of the song.


The child is hoping and knowing that their time is near, laughing through the years, but having fears of aging. The song expresses the fear of growing old, and the desire to find a way to reverse, stall, or avoid aging. The lyrics suggest that aging is a natural process that evades us all, and that we are all subject to its inevitability.


Line by Line Meaning

Father and I waved goodbye
My dad and I said farewell to our family to begin our journey


As we went to look
As we searched for our objective


Uncle Peter was writing a book
My uncle Peter was occupied in his writing


And his mama was starting to cook
His mother started preparing food


And she's aging
And she's growing older


We had come in search of one
Our goal was to find someone


Who evades us all
Who escapes everyone's notice


Never heeds the call
And never acknowledges any summons


If only someone could stall
If only someone could delay the process


This aging
Of growing older


So I'll go and hope and know
So I'll proceed and be optimistic and confident


That my time is near
That my turn is approaching


Laughing through the years
Smiling and enjoying the passage of time


Having only fears
Yet still experiencing fear


Of aging, of aging
Of the inevitability of growing older




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PHILIP PARRIS LYNOTT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Dagonhills

Phil's words and voice are so beautiful here. I've always loved this one.

@markroberts3522

This is the most beautiful piece of music to be heard ever.

@johnhealy6494

Unbelievable song

@161157gor

Shades of Blue... 🌚🫂🙏

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