“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
- cf. "If I Were As Young As I Used to Be (Uncle Joe)" (plot)
References
- Randolph 433, "I'm Seventy-Two Today" (1 text)
- Warner 158, "Seventy-Two Today" (1 text, 1 tune)
- ST R433 (Full)
- Roud #4387 and 7485
- BI, R433