About the song
Neil Young‘s “Old Man” is a poignant reflection on aging and the passage of time, released on February 1, 1972, as part of his critically acclaimed album “Harvest.” The song stands out as one of Young’s most personal and introspective works, offering a window into his own experiences and emotions.
“Old Man” was inspired by Young’s experiences working on the Broken Arrow Ranch, where he was a caretaker for an elderly ranch caretaker named Morris. The song’s lyrics express Young’s empathy and connection with this man, capturing the universal feeling of solitude and reflection that comes with growing older. The chorus, with its refrain “Old man, take a look at my life,” serves as both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on life’s stages and struggles.
The song’s impact has been significant both culturally and musically. It resonated deeply with listeners, becoming a staple on classic rock stations and showcasing Young’s unique ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes. Its folk-rock style, with its gentle melody and introspective lyrics, contributed to the ongoing appeal of “Harvest” as a defining album of the 1970s.
“Old Man” has been covered by various artists over the years, underscoring its lasting influence and the way it continues to touch audiences. Its blend of storytelling and emotional depth remains a testament to Neil Young’s songwriting prowess and his ability to capture the human experience in his music.
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Lyrics
Old man, look at my lifeI’m a lot like you wereOld man, look at my lifeI’m a lot like you wereOld man, look at my lifeTwenty four and there’s so much moreLive alone in a paradiseThat makes me think of twoLove lost, such a costGive me things that don’t get lostLike a coin that won’t get tossedRolling home to youOld man, take a look at my life, I’m a lot like youI need someone to love me the whole day throughAh, one look in my eyes and you can tell that’s trueLullabies, look in your eyesRun around the same old townDoesn’t mean that much to meTo mean that much to youI’ve been first and lastLook at how the time goes pastBut I’m all alone at lastRolling home to youOld man, take a look at my life, I’m a lot like youI need someone to love me the whole day throughAh, one look in my eyes and you can tell that’s trueOld man, look at my lifeI’m a lot like you wereOld man, look at my lifeI’m a lot like you were