Story Behind The Song

Looking a little too close into the mirror one day I noticed wrinkles in my ears... one more thing to ad to the pleasures of growing old gracefully or not so gracefully and then started realizing these may be the best years yet... I found "Let me grow lovely growing old" in a framed embroidery at a friend's home~after researching this beautiful poem written by Karle Wilson Baker many years ago I was inspired to put it to music...

Lyrics

WRINKLES IN MY EARS

I've got...
Wrinkles in my ears
Cramps in my toes
If these are the golden years
It's not easy getting old

I can't sleep at night
Money's getting tight
These are my golden years
And I'm still trying to get it right

My hair is getting thin
My eyes are growing dim
I guess that's what it's all about
And my teeth are falling out

But on the other hand
I'm here and I still can
Do anything I want to do
I don't need to have a plan

I still can drive my car
But I don't go very far
Come and go as I please
Oh Lord!  where are my keys?

I can live life as I choose
Don't have too much to lose
I like it here on my own
Please don't put me in a home

And when all is said and done
I just want to have fun
Be good -- be well -- be smart -- be kind
Take it one day at a time

And who gives a damn
I'll laugh while I still can
Live life without a plan
And be true to who I am

I can live my life without a plan
And be true to who I am
I'll be true to who I am

LET ME GROW LOVELY GROWING OLD
So many fine things do
Laces and ivory and gold
And silks need not be new

There is healing in old trees
Old streets a glamour hold
Why may not I as well as these
Grow lovely growing old?
Why may not I as well as these
Grow lovely growing old?

Words & Music: Francine Jarry
Let me grow lovely growing old~lyrics: Karle Wilson Baker