Suddenly, You're Old

Been hacking away at this one for quite some time. My main question is the pronouns in the beginning of each chorus. Are they working for you without confusion? Thanks for any feedback.

Have a blessed day,

Renee

SUDDENLY, YOU’RE OLD

[Verse 1]

Studying my hands; skin weathered, fingers bent

Tears well up inside, wondering where my body went

Of all the things Daddy told me, the one most true:

The older you get the faster time does a job on you, and

 

[Chorus 1]

You’re old

Suddenly, you’re old

Reaching for someone to hold through the cold an’ lonesome nights

Caught up in life’s ebbs and flows

Another new moon comes and goes

And suddenly you’re old wishing for a way to win the fight

 

[Verse 2]

‘Cuz it seems like just yesterday we were happy-go-lucky kids

Playin’ ball, ridin’ bicycles, the stolen cigarettes we hid

Hangin’ out at the pool-hall, new kid in town wide eyes, baby-blue

From that first kiss you stole, I fell in love with you

 

[Verse 3]

Eight short years later at your job you found somebody new

Got married, got a little dog, had a couple ‘a kids, too

Playin’ house with a guitar-slinger, I lost track of the years

Next thing, Mom passed ‘way, shed a boatload ‘a tears, now

 

[Chorus 2]

We’re old

Suddenly, you’re old

Reaching for someone to hold through the cold and lonesome nights

Caught up in life’s ebbs and flows

Another new moon comes and goes

And suddenly you’re old wishing for a way to win the fight

 

[Bridge]

So, kick up some dust, kid while you still can

Lazy days and party nights catch up with you

Dreams without legs like castles in the sand

Life gets in the way of all you set out to do, and

 

[Chorus 1]

You’re old

Suddenly, you’re old

Reaching for someone to hold through the cold an’ lonesome nights

Caught up in life’s ebbs and flows

Another new moon comes and goes

And suddenly you’re old wishing for a way to win the fight

 

[Verse 4/Tag]

Nowadays, it’s just me and my hound dog, Lucy Rose

She’s a youngster and I love to see her run to and fro

And as I gaze out my kitchen window, branches half-bare

Winter’s on her way sure as the snow-white streaks in my hair, and

…….I’m old.

 

© 2024 Renee La Chapelle – All Rights Reserved

Tagged:

Comments

  • Excellent piece of work Renee,

    visuals were stunning and it flowed nicely.

    one of your best,

    Desrves to be put to music.

    Well done indeed.

    Sid

  • The pronouns seem fine to me Renee. I think it's clear what they mean.

    I like the "we're old" in there too. Not only referring to the ex but also includes the listener.

    It's a lovely lyric.

  • Thank you, @RainyDayMan & @sidshovel truly been working on this one almost a year now on and off. The chorus pretty much remained the same and the Bridge also, but I was really struggling with the verses. I ended up pretty much just telling my own story.

    Might send this on into the Great American Song Contest (lyric only category) tho' I am working on the music.

    Be nice to win for once in my life, lol! 😂

    Thank you again. I thought the pronouns were okay but really was unsure. Thank you for confirming,

    Renee

  • HummerWisdom
    edited December 2024

    @RainyDayMan need your opinion, please. As I further tweak this lyric for words and meter, I'm wondering if the opening word 'studying' is the best word or not. What do you think of 'Fixated on'?

    Also, song is now up on SoundCloud, but already made a change or two since uploading. I think the chords are okay; used some minors ===> https://soundcloud.com/reneelachapelle/suddenly-youre-old

    You don't need to listen to the whole song as it's rather long. Need to work that out, too. I generally like to stay four minutes and under.

    Thanks!

    Renee

  • I prefer "studying" myself, as it feels more conversational, but either could work. Will come back after I've had a listen.

  • @RainyDayMan haven't sung the latest version yet with 'fixated on'. Thanks for your opinion. I'm still giving it some thought. I tend to fixate on things that bother me and the opening line actually could use another syllable. Anyway, thank you. No need to listen again.

    Renee

  • Take a different approach,

    Consider.

    All the things, they have touched; skin weathered, fingers bent.

  • Lol. That's the trouble with songwriting! Ask 10 people you'll get 11 different answers! And all of them with some reasonable point to be made. It's also part of what makes it interesting! There's no right or wrong here. Go with what feels comfortable to you.

  • @sidshovel you poet, you! 😍

  • You're right RDM, there is no right/wrong, only what feels right to the songs owner.

    I read a piece by Jimmy Webb, he was talking about getting stuck writing a song. He said, he often zooms out rather than in, to find the solution to the problem. I have tried it a few times and it does help, worthwhile technique having in your toolbox.

    Sid

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