Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 10:23 PM

Thanks, Big Nige. I was actually glad to have an active role in my brother's memorial (we chose to call it a celebration of his life, rather than a funeral). I could concentrate on putting the song out to the listeners and figure I was helping them. This was all done at a UU church, as Dave was an agnostic, and the minister did a fine job of coordinating everything and speaking in a way that did not put my religious relatives off. Anyway, in regard to Chris's song, my brother's daughter really liked it and that's what mattered.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)
From: GUEST,Big Nige
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 05:17 AM

Phil, Glad to hear it went OK, I know what you mean about how certain words can choke you up, especially when you are practicing alone, but the strengh just seems to come from somewhere, when you perform in front of people.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 12:22 AM

For those still checking in, we performed the song tonight at the service. I managed to get through it without choking up. I believe it helped my brother's children be able to sort things better.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)
From: open mike
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 09:48 AM

here are a couple of clips of chris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMUEW1b2REE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ0wR_d3aUI&feature=related

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)
From: open mike
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 09:23 AM

hugs to you Phil...sorry to hear about your bro, this is a difficult gig, to say the least...wishing you the strength to get thru this... treasure your memories.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 08:22 AM

Mmmm..Chris Smither! :0)

Here he is at Sidmouth's first Folk Week in 2005 (...and cue Ralphie)

Chris Smither at Siddy on Jacob's Ladder Beach singing 'Home'

Double Mmmmmm...LOVE this song! And, Chris doesn't flinch when the lovely lassie in the bikini walks right in front of him. There's dedication to The Music.... ;0)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 07:49 AM

Thanks, that's pretty much what we've come up with as well. Today is actually the day we have to sing it at my brother's memorial. Like I said, I think it particularly will impact his daughter (who asked us to sing it). I'm doing my part in DADGAD (capoed 2 for the Em) and Susan is doing standard Em chords on a six string banjo. We have a good friend joining us with a tasty mandolin part. We've been running through it a lot, so we can get it across at the service. I had trouble the first couple times singing it without choking up.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Man Down (Chris Smither)
From: GUEST,BigNige in the UK
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 07:06 AM

Hi Phil,
I am just in the process of working this song out, if any help this is how I see it

Em What will.... Am hard to be... B7 Feelin ......alone Em
Same for next line
G One step left Em one step right D little dance... heart (Am)around
B7 Feel alittle steady Em Think I might be ready Am to finally B7 lay the old man down Em.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Chris Smither's Lay the Old Man Down
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 03:51 PM

Thanks, Stewie. Now I just need to figure out a guitar arrangement. I have till Monday to be able to see if I can put it across.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Chris Smither's Lay the Old Man Down
From: Stewie
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 04:01 AM

A couple of typos:

Stanza 3 line 1: It's not a simple ...
Stanza 3 line 2: ... but it's way too heavy now

Listening to the CD recording, there are also minor changes to the printed version I have given, but they are all pretty obvious.

--Stewie.

Subject: Lyr Add: OLD MAN DOWN (Chris Smither)
From: Stewie
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 03:23 AM

Here you go, Phil.

OLD MAN DOWN
(Chris Smither)

What do I do here, it's hard to be clear
The way I feel alive and all alone
Last man standin' in a line I had a hand in
No one left behind me, on my own
It ain't so hard to face by myself, it's not a place
More a feelin' and a lonesome little sound
The heavy part is foldin' in the ground, it keeps the cold in
Help me lay the old man down

I was pushin', he was haulin', my whole life we were callin'
Back and forth, keep it movin' steady slow
His end is lyin' slack, my end is still on track
But it don't seem like there's anywhere to go
And my balance isn't right, I need to hold on tight
'Til I see how the world is spinnin' round
The centre now is me, but it's difficult to see
'Til I see how to lay the old man down

It's not simple thing, it's a burden that I cling to
It's light, but it's way to heavy now
I'll put it down soon when I figure out the tune
It's not like there's someone to show me how
One step left, one step right
A little dance to bring my heart around
To feel a little steady, to think I'm mostly ready
To finally lay the old man down

Source: As printed in lyrics booklet accompanying Chris Smither 'Time Stands Still' Signature Sounds Recordings [no #]

Note: there are some minor word changes from this in the Youtube version.

--Stewie.

--

Subject: Lyr Req: Chris Smither's Lay the Old Man Down
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 05:11 PM

Hi,

   Does anyone have the lyrics to Chris Smither's song Lay the Old Man Down? I've listened to the youtube version and have looked on line for the lyrics, but they're not posted yet. I can't quite make out all the words from the youtube version. Ordinarily I'd buy the CD and check out the lyric sheet. However, my older brother (only 58) just passed away and his daughter would like me to sing it at the memorial this next Monday. In a pinch Caveman will do (we shared a room in the basement when we were growing up.) Thanks.

--Phil