“I'm Seventy-Two Today”

Description

"I'm seventy-two today, my boys; They say I'm growing old. I feel as young as I used to be; My heart is strong and bold." The old man says he can and will ride and court as well as ever (if perhaps a bit faster), and expects to enjoy the process

Supplemental text

I'm Seventy-Two Today
  Complete text(s)

          *** A ***

Seventy-Two Today

From Anne Warner, Traditional American Folk Songs from the Anne &
Frank Warner Collection, #158, pp, 359-360. From the singing of
C K. "Tink" Tillett of North Carolina. Collected 1940.

I'm seventy-two today, my boys,
They say I'm growing old.
I feel as young as I used to be,
My heart is strong and bold.

No ache or pain my limbs astale,*
Though I am old it's true.
So walk your horse while you are young,
If you'd trot him at seventy-two.

You see young men when they go out
To spend their night in glee,
Drink whiskey, wine, and beer, get tight,
Oh, none of that for me.

WHen I was young I used to sit
All in some shady grove,
With some pretty girl all on my knee,
I'd tell her of my love.

I'd place my arms about her waist,
I would hug and kiss her too.
I think I could enjoy it all over again,
Although I am seventy-two.

With a laugh and a smile and a ha ha ha
I will keep this end in view.
I will praise you all both great and small
Although I am seventy-two.

* i.e. "assail"

Cross references

References

  1. Randolph 433, "I'm Seventy-Two Today" (1 text)
  2. Warner 158, "Seventy-Two Today" (1 text, 1 tune)
  3. ST R433 (Full)
  4. Roud #4387 and 7485
  5. BI, R433

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1940 (Warner)
Keywords: age courting
Found in: US(SE)