Old Man, Young man

Story Behind The Song

Acoustic ballad about coming to grips with aging, realizing you're still the same person inside regardless of the passing of time.

Song Description

Poignant and reflective ballad featuring only piano and male vocal, about realizing that even as you age you remain the same person inside. The heartfelt message is don't let other peoples' expectations dictate who you are or how you live.

Song Length 3:31 Genre Pop - Easy Listening, Pop - General
Tempo Very Slow (Under 70) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Poignant, Relaxed Subject Age, Aging, Philosophy
Similar Artists Elton John, Lionel Richie Language English
Era 1980 - 1989

Lyrics

Getting older, now responsibilities are on my shoulder.
Funny how I never noticed them before.
In my younger days, I was lucky things fell into place for me.
I had what I called home and security.
Now I'm older, feeling like a battle-weary soldier with nowhere else to go.
The wars have all been won or lost so long ago.


Old man, young man, you're both the same.
Sometimes I'm a very old man, playing a young man's game.
When I think about the time we waster: ain't it a shame?

When you're older, people seem to think you've got your thoughts in order.
But as for me, I haven't found a master plan.
I'd be just as happy if I never did grow up at all!
That would suit me fine. But now my only enemy is time.

Old man, young man, you're both the same.
Sometimes I'm a very old man, playing a young man's game.
When I think about the time we waster: ain't it a shame?
Old man, young man - you're both the same.
Lord, you're both the same!

Very nice piano playing, and very nice singing. And the chord changes are killer - I love where you go chordally when you sing 'Ain't it a shame'. There is some really inventive musicality here. The 2/4 bars in the verses add interest, and I think you have a good hook.

I'd love to hear a fully-produced version of this song! Great job!

nice rich recording. Vocals are right in the pocket and the piano work is very nice - the song's melody and chord structure work well together and I really loved the breakdown piano coda at the end - very nice!

The chord progression is absolutely beautiful - chords to die for. Lovely piano work. Superb melody. Strong vocal with flawless timing and delivery. Excellent lyrics. Great production values.

Nice song to listen to, very good piano performance. I enjoyed the progression... has a familiar sound, reminiscent of old times theme is always touching. Also a very good vocal performance. Nice song all the way around, keeping it vocal and guitar worked for me.

Lyrics Robert P. Birthisel Music Robert P. Birthisel
Producer Robert P. Birthisel Publisher Worldwide Birthisel Publishing (ASCAP)
This track is on 1 Member Playlists
Playlist Creator Playlist Name Date Added
David James My Top Songs 6/12/2020

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