Songs about Old Men

Maybe it's that my old man is getting up there, and as he's done so we've gotten very close. Maybe it's my middle aged self poking a stick of curiosity at the prospect of being very old. Aging is something we can't escape that's for sure, every day it happens. I just wish this culture valued the old with their widom, compassion, and patience..or lack of all three:) 

In the past year I've written a couple songs about old men, and they happen to be two of my favs . Yes I have a new album coming out, but 1. there are always about ten-twenty cool tunes that didn't make it on there for various reasons, 2. I keep writing.

I was in Little Rock, Arkansas last summer on the way to Oklahoma City,  coming from Memphis. I had the night off, and often times when I'm alone I'll wander into a bar have some drinks, listen to conversations, and maybe get into a few. It's amazing what people will open up to strangers about!  I ended up talking to a sad old man with a reluctant sweet smile. 

SAD MAN IN AN ARKANSAS BAR  (A. White)

1.Sad man in an Arkansas bar talked about his son's death

rust on his brand new car, things his ex did he can't forget

he knocks back 4 or 5, it's hot and he can't swim

he tore his rotator cuff, he thinks the razorbacks are gonna win this year

* Chorus: just a couple more tonight, 1 for the ditch, 2 for my son, 1 more for that bitch. A couple more tonight and I'll be medicated, Just trying to keep those blue memories fading

2."There was a jumper on the bridge last week I just don't understand that

how people go and throw it all in, while they're still burning the candle

you got a real pretty smile think you're gonna go far

if i was 20 years younger I'd waltz you out of this bar."

* Chorus

Just Last week I wrote this next old man song with Tony Kerr. Tony's one of my favorite guys to co-write with in Nashville. His Dad was a fighter. I had just come from a visit with my Dad in Virginia. Can't wait to play both of these tunes out soon.

JUST AN OLD STONE (Kerr/White)

1.Come on down to the finish line she won't recognize my face

hard winds have chipped me to the bone

I ain't bitter I'm just an old stone

2. Leather hands are still the fighting kind

pushing time at a steady pace

clear my eyes, want to see it all again

feel her next to me everynow and then

Chorus*

I close my eyes to hear your voice again, Feel I might just catch that silver wind, I've spent years listening   ( bridge then repeat Chorus*)

3. Come on down to the finish line

you won't recognize my face

the noise of the TV keeps me company

as I dream about where I'm gonna be

as I dream about where I"m gonna be

as I dream about where I'm gonna be