About the song
The song tells the story of an aging hippie who reminisces about his days of rebellion, peace, and love. It paints a vivid picture of a generation that embraced freedom, experimentation, and idealism, set against the backdrop of societal shifts and evolving values.
“Old Hippie” struck a chord with listeners and critics alike, climbing to number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the United States. Its success not only showcased the Bellamy Brothers’ storytelling ability but also reaffirmed their connection with audiences who appreciated their introspective lyrics and melodic country-rock sound.
David Bellamy’s songwriting prowess shines through in the poignant lyrics, which capture both the spirit of the era and the bittersweet reflection of time passing. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia while remaining relevant to listeners of all ages, bridging the gap between generations and reminding us of the enduring ideals of peace, love, and freedom.
“Old Hippie” continues to be a beloved classic, frequently played on radio stations and celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth. It stands as a testament to the Bellamy Brothers’ ability to create music that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level with the human experience.
Video
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…