Origins: Where is the Old Man

Subject: Origins: Where is the Old Man
From: Jay Williams
Date: 12 Dec 25 - 09:52 PM

My wife’s parents sang many old folk songs, such as the Old Settler (Acres of Clams), Blue Mountain Lake, and the Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night. They also sang “Where is the Old Man Who Lived High on the Hill, Who Made Whiskey and Many a Song.” I’m not sure if it’s a true folk song or was formally composed. They were fans of The Weavers and Pete Seeger, and even early Burl Ives. However, I’ve never seen a reference to the song on their recordings. I’m wondering if anyone’s ever heard it or knows it. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is the Old Man
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 25 - 03:34 AM

Hi, Jay - well, apparently Burl Ives recorded a song titled "Where Is the Old Man Who Lived High On the Hill," but I looked all through my Burl Ives resources and couldn't find it. I haven't given up, though. The other songs are readily available here.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is the Old Man
From: cnd
Date: 15 Dec 25 - 01:53 PM

It can be found in the songbook The Wayfarin' Stranger, Vol. 1: a collection of 21 folk songs and ballads (1945, ed. Herbert Haufrecht).

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is the Old Man
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Dec 25 - 11:43 PM

But can you post the lyrics, Carter?

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is the Old Man
From: cnd
Date: 16 Dec 25 - 08:17 AM

Sadly, I don't have a copy of the songbook, and the libraries that have it near me are a 40+ minute drive away. I probably won't be able to get to it til after the holidays.

Subject: RE: Origins: Where is the Old Man
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 25 - 05:01 PM

Here's the '45 songbook version. If anybody has any info on the recording, please post it here.

“Where Is The Old Man?
Words and Tune by BURL IVES

This song was thought up during a few quiet moments at the end of a day in an army camp. Who is the old man? Where's he gone? “ – – Nobody knows” – probably one of the characters of an ancient ballad come to haunt us.

Slowly (meditative
Where is the old man who lived high on the hill,
Who lived on the hill so long?
Where is the old man who lived high on the hill,
Who made his whiskey and many a song, a song,
Who made his whiskey and many a song?

He's gone far away, nobody knows where,
He's been gone ever so long:
But at night when it's still at the top of the hill,
You can still hear the sound of his song, his song,
You can still hear the sound of his song.”
[Burl Ives, Volume 1, “The Wafarin' Stranger” A Collection of 21 Folk Songs and Ballads, ed. H. Haufrecht, 1945]