Analysis of 'This Old Man': Unveiling the Lyrics and Themes of a Nineties Semi-Obscure Gem
'This Old Man' is one of my favorite semi-obscure songs from the '90s, and it's high time more people discovered it. If you haven’t heard it before, you should stop reading now and listen to it. The video is quite interesting as well! If the singer looks familiar, it's because she worked with The Breeders in the past. Let's delve into the lyrics and explore their deeper meanings.
Lyrics and Commentary
The song begins with the lines: "This old man, I've talked about/ Broke his own heart, poured it in the ground / Big red tree grew up and out">. The ‘old man’ is her father, who is now dead. The exact cause of his death is a heart attack, and there is a tree growing near his grave.
She says, 'I know all this and more / So take your hat off / When you're talking to men / And be there when I feed the tree.' This is a strong indication that she wants you to show respect to her father's memory by taking off your hat when passing by his grave. 'Feed the tree' could also be a metaphor for visiting her father's grave to pay respects. Alternatively, it could symbolize the ongoing connection between them.
In the next verse, she says, "This little squirrel I used to be / Slammed her bike down the stairs / They put silver where her teeth had been / Baby silver tooth she grins and grins". She is reminiscing about a time when she was injured while riding her bike and how people mocked her for her silver tooth. Her father used to call her 'little squirrel,' a term that she and her father now share. The line 'Silver baby, come to men' is a curious line, suggesting the need to honor her father's memory in her current relationship.
"This old man, I used to be / Spins around around around the tree / Silver baby, come to men / Ill only hurt you in my dreams">. This line is a bit confusing, as it suggests that she is both the old man and his haunting spirit. This woman appears to have unresolved issues with her father.
Themes and Interpretations
The song reflects a sense of vulnerability and the complexities of human emotions. It explores themes of loss, memory, and the enduring connection between generations. The lyrics suggest a deep, almost spiritual bond between the singer and her father, symbolized by the tree that grows near his grave.
Overall, 'This Old Man' is a powerful and thought-provoking song that resonates with listeners in different ways. It is a true testament to the beauty and complexity of human relationships, particularly those shaped by loss and memory.
Conclusion
Whether you're a fan of the '90s or not, 'This Old Man' is definitely worth a listen. It's a richly layered song that invites multiple interpretations, and its themes remain relevant and relatable today.