About the song
“Old Hippie” by the Bellamy Brothers is a gentle and reflective country-pop ballad that offers a nostalgic look back at the ideals and spirit of the 1960s counterculture through the eyes of someone who has carried that ethos into their later years. Released in 1985, this song became another of their signature hits, resonating with audiences who appreciated its mellow vibe and its message of enduring peace, love, and a connection to simpler values. It’s more than just a song about a former hippie; it’s a thoughtful meditation on holding onto one’s core beliefs and finding contentment in a changing world.
The song’s lyrics paint a portrait of an “old hippie,” someone who may have traded in the outward trappings of the era but still holds onto the fundamental principles of peace, love, and a rejection of materialism. The narrator reflects on a life lived with a certain laid-back philosophy, emphasizing the importance of inner peace and genuine connection over the pursuit of wealth or societal pressures. Lines like “Still got my old guitar, and my woman by my side, still believe in peace and love, and try to live my life” beautifully illustrate the enduring nature of these values. The Bellamy Brothers’ vocal delivery, characterized by their smooth harmonies and Howard Bellamy’s gentle lead vocals, perfectly complements the song’s reflective and mellow tone. Their voices blend with a sincerity that conveys a sense of quiet contentment and lived wisdom.
The Bellamy Brothers’ musical style in “Old Hippie” leans towards a soft country-pop sound, featuring prominent acoustic guitars, a gentle rhythm section, and subtle keyboard arrangements that create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. The arrangement is uncluttered and allows the simple beauty of the melody and the sincerity of the vocals to shine through. The song’s relaxed pace and its message of inner peace contribute significantly to its comforting and enduring appeal. The subtle steel guitar adds a touch of traditional country flavor, grounding the song in their roots while maintaining its accessible crossover sound.
The enduring appeal of “Old Hippie” lies in its gentle reminder of the importance of core values and finding contentment in life’s simple pleasures, regardless of societal trends or the passage of time. It speaks to the idea that the spirit of an era can live on within individuals, shaping their perspectives and priorities. The song’s mellow melody and the Bellamy Brothers’ sincere delivery have made it a beloved ballad for those who appreciate a thoughtful reflection on life and values.
“Old Hippie” is more than just a nostalgic tune; it’s a gentle and insightful meditation on holding onto meaningful values and finding peace in a changing world, a perfect showcase for the Bellamy Brothers’ warm harmonies and their ability to craft a song that is both comforting and thought-provoking. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of inner peace and the quiet strength of one’s convictions.
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Lyrics
He turned thirty-five last Sunday
In his hair he found some gray
But he still ain’t changed his lifestyle
He likes it better the old way
So he grows a little garden in the backyard by the fence
He’s consuming what he’s growing nowadays in self defense
He get’s out there in the twilight zone
Sometimes when it just don’t make no sense
Yeh he gets off on country music
‘Cause disco left him cold
He’s got young friends into new wave
But he’s just too frigging old
And he dreams at night of Woodstock
And the day John Lennon died
How the music made him happy
And the silence made him cry
Yea he thinks of John sometimes
And he has to wonder why
He’s an old hippie
And he don’t know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new
He’s an old hippie
This new life is just a bust
He ain’t trying to change nobody
He’s just trying real hard to adjust
He was sure back in the sixties
That everyone was hip
Then they sent him off to Vietnam
On his senior trip
And they force him to become a man
While he was still a boy
And behind each wave of tragedy
He waited for the joy
Now this world may change around him
But he just can’t change no more
‘Cause he’s an old hippie
And he don’t know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new
He’s an old hippie
This new life is just a bust
He ain’t trying to change nobody
He’s just trying real hard to adjust
Well he stays away a lot now
From the parties and the clubs
And he’s thinking while he’s joggin’ ’round
Sure is glad he quit the hard drugs
‘Cause him and his kind get more endangered everyday
And pretty soon the species
Will just up and fade away
Like the smoke from that torpedo
Just up and fade away
He’s an old hippie
And he don’t know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new
He’s an old hippie
This new life is just a bust
He ain’t trying to change nobody
He’s just trying real hard to adjust, yeah he ain’t tryin’ to change nobody, he’s just…
