Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades and is known for his raw voice and poetic lyrics. He found success with hits like “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man.”
He has won multiple Grammy and Juno Awards and is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee twice—both as a solo artist and as part of Buffalo Springfield.
About the Song
“Old Man” is a classic folk-rock song about life, aging, and searching for meaning. Neil Young wrote it after buying a ranch and talking to its caretaker.
The song became one of his most famous works, with heartfelt lyrics and a soothing melody.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | February 1, 1972. |
| Album | Archives Vol. I |
| Writers | Neil Young |
| Producers | Neil Young and Elliot Mazer |
Old Man Lyrics by Neil Young
[Intro]
Old man, look at my life
I’m a lot like you were
Old man, look at my life
I’m a lot like you were
[Verse 1]
Old man, look at my life
Twenty-four, and there’s so much more
Live alone in a paradise
That makes me think of two
[Verse 2]
Love lost, such a cost
Give me things that don’t get lost
Like a coin that won’t get tossed
Rolling home to you
[Chorus]
Old man, take a look at my life, I’m a lot like you
I need someone to love me the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that’s true
[Verse 3]
Lullabies, look in your eyes
Run around the same old town
Doesn’t mean that much to me
To mean that much to you
[Verse 4]
I’ve been first and last
Look at how the time goes past
But I’m all alone at last
Rolling home to you
[Chorus]
Old man, take a look at my life, I’m a lot like you
I need someone to love me the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that’s true
[Outro]
Old man, look at my life
I’m a lot like you were
Old man, look at my life
I’m a lot like you were
Live Performance on Harvest 50th Anniversary Edition
In celebration of Harvest’s 50th anniversary, Neil Young’s live performance of “Old Man” brought a new sense of depth to the timeless classic.
The performance, filled with raw emotions, captivated the audience with Neil’s soulful voice.
Similar Songs Like Old Man
If you liked Old Man, you might enjoy these other Neil Young classics. His music often reflects on life, emotions, and social themes with poetic lyrics and soft melodies.
- Heart of Gold – A timeless song about searching for true love and meaning.
- Harvest Moon – A gentle, romantic song about lifelong love and devotion.
- After the Gold Rush – A dreamy song with deep lyrics about change and the future.
- Cinnamon Girl – A rock-driven love song with an unforgettable melody.
- Needle and the Damage Done – It is a raw and emotional song about drug addiction.
- Comes a Time – Talks about love and the passage of time with warm melodies.
- Southern Man – A powerful song about racial issues and history.
- Like a Hurricane – A passionate song about overwhelming love and urge.
- Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) – A rock anthem about the music industry and legacy.
- Down by the River – A haunting song with long guitar solos and deep storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Old Man Considered a Classic?
Old Man is considered a classic due to its universal themes of aging and connection, along with its emotional lyrics and gentle melody.
How does Old Man Connect to Neil Young’s Personal Life?
The song reflects Neil Young’s own reflections on aging and the wisdom gained through life’s journey.
What is The Significance of The Line “Twenty-Four and There’s So Much More”?
This refers to Young’s age when he wrote the song, contrasting his youth with the old man while recognizing their shared humanity.
