He is the Director of Jazz at Kansas State University, where he conducts three big bands and teaches combos, jazz improvisation courses, jazz history class, private guitar and electric bass instruction. Goins completed his Ph.D. at The Florida State University. He has teaching experience in Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta, where he conducted jazz ensembles and taught guitar at Morehouse College, Emory University, and Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Goins is an active researcher and lecturer in the field of music education, and presents his works across the country and throughout the globe. He has written three books on jazz: "Emotional Response To Music: Pat Metheny's Secret Story," "The Jazz Band Director's Handbook: A Guide To Success," and "A Biography: Charlie Christian, Jazz Guitar's King of Swing." All three books are published by The Edwin Mellen Press.
Dr. Goins writes regular columns for Jazz Improv magazine, where he has written feature articles on Bobby Watson, Charlie Christian and Count Basie Orchestra guitarist Will Matthews.
Official Website: Wayne Goins
Old Folks
Wayne Goins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 song Old Folks by Wayne Goins paints a charming picture of an elderly man known affectionately as Old Folks. The opening line, “Everyone knows him as Old Folks,” sets the tone for the rest of the song, which describes the character of Old Folks and how much he is loved by others.
The comparison of Old Folks to the season, “Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go,” accents the cyclical nature of life and hints at the inevitability of death. The lines “Just as free as a bird and as good as his word” suggest that Old Folks lives life on his own terms and is true to himself. This apparent authenticity earns him the respect and love of those who know him.
The next stanza describes Old Folks’s idiosyncrasies, such as leaving his spoon in his coffee and tucking his napkin up under his chin. These quirks add to his charm, and the lines “But you needn't be ashamed of him” suggest that even if others may find his habits peculiar, they still value him as a person. The reference to the “yellow cow-pie” being “so mellow it’s ripe” further emphasizes his unique character.
The final stanza reflects the reality of life’s impermanence as it ponders the eventual loss of Old Folks. The “Children’s voice at play” being “still for a day” suggests the impact the loss of someone like Old Folks will have on an entire community. The song leaves a bittersweet resonance, honoring the life and character of Old Folks and the inevitable end of our own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone knows him as Old Folks
Old Folks is a well-known and respected member of the community.
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
Old Folks' presence is seasonal and unpredictable, but it is always welcomed and appreciated when he appears.
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
Old Folks is free-spirited and true to his promises, a trait that inspires love and admiration from those around him.
That's why everybody loves him so
Old Folks' personality and character have earned him universal respect and affection.
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
Old Folks may be forgetful, but his quirks are endearing and add to his charm.
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
Old Folks follows a routine and has a sense of decorum, even when dining alone.
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
Old Folks may enjoy strange foods that others find unappetizing, but his tastes are his own and nothing to be ashamed of.
But you needn't be ashamed of him
Old Folks may be quirky, but his behavior is never inappropriate or harmful.
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
Old Folks has a regular routine that includes fishing at a favorite location, adding structure and purpose to his life.
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Old Folks enjoys fishing for its own sake, regardless of whether or not he comes back with a huge catch.
Looks like we warm the steak
Old Folks may prefer his steak well-done, but his tastes are another endearing trait.
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
Old Folks, like all of us, will one day pass away.
What a lonesome old town this will be
Old Folks' absence will be deeply felt, as he was a beloved and integral part of the community.
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
The sound of children playing, a constant presence in the town, will be quieted by the loss of Old Folks.
The day they take the Old Folks away
The finality of Old Folks' passing is a sad but inevitable reality.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind