Story Behind The Song
This song was inspired by a radio broadcast on the life of Scottish poet Robbie Burns. A genius and an alcoholic, Burns starved to death in middle age, leaving behind the wife he had failed, and who nevertheless continued to love him for the rest of her life. Something about the idea of lovers being tragically parted at the end of many years together caught my imagination, and I wrote this song immediately after the broadcast, in the car driving home.
Song Description
Old Time's Sake is a traditional folk song about an old man regretting the end of his love, and wishing for one last kiss. An achingly poignant violin solo, underscored by a simple and delicate harp line ties the song together.
Song Length |
3:19 |
Genre |
Folk - Contemporary, World - Celtic |
Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
Mood |
Heartbreaking, Still |
Subject |
Lost Love, Girlfriend, Wife |
Similar Artists |
Harry Chapin, Semisonic |
Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
the history of us is written on my face in lines
and I?d live it all again but I?d do better this time
how I?ll miss the sun, love, as it falls behind the lake
just kiss me once before you leave, for old time?s sake
I wish I was a brave man, or at least a strong
then I?d have kept you next to me in the place where I belong
I wish I was a liar and could hide all my mistakes
just kiss me once before you leave, for old time?s sake
ah kiss me once before you leave, for old time?s sake
when I was a younger man, and limitless inside
I?d have searched the seas for you, moved the earth and sky
I?d fight for love so fierce and hard you?d think my heart would break
just kiss me once before you leave, for old time?s sake
ah kiss me once before you leave, for old time?s sake
to watch you drift away from me is more than I can take
just kiss me once before you leave, for old time?s sake
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