I Used To Be Like You
I wrote this song in 2008/2009 - just before my Grandmother passed. I would go and visit her in her nursing home and sit with her as she had lunch or dinner with the other folks there. I would listen to all their stories, and wish - so much - that I would have been able to see them all in their prime. I was about 30 years old, they were 70-90. My life was a third (or less) over - theirs was so close to being complete. It hit me then, and I'm thankful for it, that I would eventually be in their shoes.
AI DISCLAMIER: I had a melody in mind which I uploaded to Suno, While I had a male voice (mine, basically) in mind, the "other" track that was produced just spoke to me and that's how I'll always hear this song, Sorry, not sorry.
https://suno.com/s/i8KhtjaCWxcQkG5R
(C) Danny Bloodworth - Music and Lyrics
Verse 1:
Sara was a dancer; she looked just like an angel on the stage
She loved to feel the warmth of those lights on her face
Now she dreams of a time, when she danced the night away
As she sits there in her wheelchair, just staring into space
Verse 2:
And Joe was a farmer, for almost forty years he worked the land
Turned seed into corn and his three sons into men
But, then time just took over, and his back gave up on him
Now he’d give anything to feel that black dirt in his hands
Lift:
In the rooms of this home, they live out their last days
The look in their eyes, oh it seems to say
Chorus:
I used to be like you,
Strong and wild, and full of youth
I could work all day;
I could dance the night away
Time has marched right over me
I’m a shell of who I used to be
But someday, you’ll grow old too
Yeah, I used to be like you
Verse 3:
I was a writer, with my words and songs, I could make you feel
Pour my heart into a melody, make fairy tales seem real
But now I sit here in my prison, and no one will ever see
The masterpiece I’ve written, that’s locked up inside of me
Lift:
In the rooms of this home, we live out our last days
The tears in my eyes, oh I’m sure they say
Chorus:
I used to be like you,
Strong and wild, and full of youth
I could work all day;
I could dance the night away
Time has marched right over me
I’m a shell of who I used to be
But someday, you’ll grow old too
Yeah, I used to be like you
Tag:
Just remember, you’re gonna grow old too
Yeah, I used to be like you
Comments
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That's a bit special. And Suno's done a lovely job with it.
"Turned seed into corn and his three sons into men" what a lovely line!
I like how the 3rd verse switches to 1st person. It just invites you to do the same and put yourself into their shoes, which of course is the whole point of the song!
Sadly I'm already all too aware of old age approaching! Everything now is good ...for my age!!!
Wonderful song Danny!
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That is too beautiful Danny, the kind of song I wish I had the skill to write. Everthing about it was perfect to me,
When I listen to the rubbish some stars are putting on their albums and then listen to this, you gotta ask yourself why.
A song to be proud of by any standards.
Well done Sir, take a bow, well deserved.
Sid
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@dbloodworth - brilliantly beautifully written song. The sad fact of life, aging. The latest enhancements they've done to Suno's programming is really reflected in the vocals, especially with using a basic prompt. This is something I could see being played on Hee Haw.
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Thank you - this one is very special to me and I appreciate the kind words. Sara and Joe were my Mom and Dad's names, so it's a bit of an homage to them.
@RainyDayMan - also my favorite line - I've got two brothers and it came from real life. Dad had a green thumb and a strong backhand!
@sidshovel @bhengen - I'm humbled fellas, thank you both.
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I love the lyric. Some great lines, including the one Owen pointed out. I also love:
Time has marched right over me
At first, I wasn't too keen on the lines that follow that one.
I’m a shell of who I used to be
But someday, you’ll grow old too
They seemed a little harsher, with a touch of anger, and more straightforward, than the rest, which is more wistful and, for me, more powerful for that, but then, I thought, why not?
The melody is generic country, as one might expect, but it fits the lyric well and the vocals that Suno has generated are spot on.
Good one!
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@OnlyGavin - appreciate the comments! My intent with those lines was to suggest a little jealousy tempered with the wisdom and perspective that comes with making it to be "old". It's kind of a nod AND a finger wag at the same time.
Thanks for listening!
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I was in a rehab center after surgery on my leg. I totally get what you mean, there's a feeling Of no turning back, and being forced to accept it.
I spoke to a few people, one woman told me her kids out her there, and was angry about it.
It's extremely sad, and for me that's part of the problem with the song.
It's such a downer. Not that it's not good, but I always shoot for optimism, depending what I'm going fot
Why can't these people inspire? Why do they have to represent darkness and pain, maybe some might take great pride in making somebody happy as they pass.
My dad was really terrified for ME. Wondering if this irresponsible, lost, thick headed yet big hearted, guy was going to be ok.
I've found ways to live , but that's inspiring to me and heroic of the elderly to say ok I'm done, but your not. I'd like to hear a little of that
I think old school country is the right setting, but that's my only caution about it.
Making people feel something is the main goal of any song.
Just wonder if thats what you want your audience to feel.
Some may like it, I have no issue with song really0
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