The Wilson sisters and Phillips were friends from childhood, growing up in southern California in the 1970's and 1980's. The three shared a love of music and songwriting, and developed their own style of vocal harmonies. In 1989, producer Glen Ballard and SBK Records signed the trio to a record deal.
Wilson Phillips released their debut album Wilson Phillips in 1990. They shot to fame with their debut single, the # 1 hit "Hold On". The album was a hit, producing three number one singles and selling 10 million copies worldwide.
They released their follow-up album Shadows and Light in 1992. It was much less successful, producing no top ten singles and selling one million copies. Shortly after, the group decided to split up.
During the next decade, the group went their separate ways. Chynna Phillips released a solo album, "Naked and Sacred" in 1995, while the Wilson sisters released a Christmas album in 1993 and an album "The Wilsons" in 1997. Carnie also went on to host her own television talk show, while Phillips married actor William Baldwin. A "Greatest Hits" album was released in 2000, although the group did not officially reunite for this release. Carnie made headlines in 1999 when she underwent gastric bypass surgery live on the internet and lost over 20 dress sizes.
Wilson Phillips reunited in 2004 to release California, an album of cover songs. A single, 'Go Your Own Way,' a remake of the original by Fleetwood Mac, peaked at #13 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The album debuted at #35 on the charts with 31,000 copies sold but due to the lack of promotion the album has yet to reach sales of 100,000 copies. In New Zealand the album was a surprise hit, reaching the top 10 and amassing gold sales following 'Go Your Own Way' topping the adult contemporary radio chart for several weeks.
Old Man
Wilson Phillips Lyrics
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I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
Twenty four and there's so much more
Live alone in a paradise
That makes me think of two.
Give me things that don't get lost.
Like a coin that won't get tossed
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that's true.
Lullabies, look in your eyes,
Run around the same old town.
It doesn't mean that much to me
To mean that much to you.
I've been first and last
Look at how the time goes past.
But I'm all alone at last.
Rolling home to you.
Hey
Old man take a look at my life I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that's true.
Wilson Phillips's song "Old Man" is a tribute to Neil Young's song "Old Man." The song was written by Neil Young in 1971, but Wilson Phillips released their version in 1990. The lyrics of the song show a reflection of the singer's life versus that of the older man they sing about, comparing the similarities and differences between their experiences.
The song's lyrics portray a sense of melancholy, which is emphasized by the use of a slow tempo and harmonizing voices. The lyrics "Old man take a look at my life I'm a lot like you" show a sense of self-reflection, indicating that the singer is looking for guidance and advice from the older man. They are acknowledging the similarities between themselves and the older man, suggesting that the old man may be able to understand and help them.
The lyrics "Twenty-four and there's so much more, Live alone in a paradise that makes me think of two" indicate that the singer is young and has a lot of potential, but they are also lonely. "Love lost, such a cost" highlights the pain of loneliness and heartbreak. The chorus suggests that the singer is searching for someone to love them, someone who will be with them through the good and the bad times.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man look at my life,
The singer is asking an older man to examine their life.
I'm a lot like you were.
The singer is comparing themselves to the older man and acknowledging their similarities.
Twenty four and there's so much more
Despite being young, the singer feels there is still much more to experience in life.
Live alone in a paradise
The artist lives in a wonderful place but is isolated and alone.
That makes me think of two.
The place reminds the artist of someone else, potentially a lost love.
Love lost, such a cost,
Losing love has been painful and difficult for the singer.
Give me things that don't get lost.
The singer desires something that is permanent and will not disappear, unlike love.
Like a coin that won't get tossed
The artist wishes for something as reliable as a coin that won't be lost or abandoned.
Rolling home to you.
The artist is returning home to someone who they hope will provide the love and stability they are seeking.
I need someone to love me the whole day through
The artist desires unconditional love and support from someone they can rely on completely.
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that's true.
The singer believes their desire for love and connection is evident in their eyes and demeanor.
Lullabies, look in your eyes,
The artist reminisces about the past, perhaps thinking about someone they used to sing lullabies to and their shared memories.
Run around the same old town.
The singer is bored and unfulfilled by their current surroundings.
It doesn't mean that much to me
The singer is unimpressed and unaffected by the familiarity of their hometown.
To mean that much to you.
The singer is reflecting on how their values and priorities differ from those of the people around them.
I've been first and last
The artist has experienced success and failure in their life.
Look at how the time goes past.
The artist reflects on how quickly time passes and how much of it they have already lived.
But I'm all alone at last.
Despite everything, the singer is still alone and seeking companionship.
Rolling home to you.
The song's refrain is repeated, emphasizing the singer's desire to find love and stability with someone.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Stewart
Love these girls. ❤️
Nathalie Remedy
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