When the Old Folks Were Young Folks

A popular song from 1912
Words by Arthur J. Lamb
Music by Alfred Solman


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

  1. Mid the fragrant flowers roaming
    See a couple bent and old
    Softly singing in the gloaming
    “Silver threads among the gold”
    Now they hear a young man pleading low
    “Let me have your Nell, I love her so”
    Tears are glistening in the mother’s eyes
    As the father to the eager youth replies

Refrain:
When the old folks were young folks
They loved just like you
When the old folks were young folks
They had heartaches, too
So just take our darling to your loving heart
And when you’re old and gray
May you be as true and happy, too
As the old folks are today

  1. Songs of love the birds are singing
    Summer skies are bright and fair
    Wedding bells are gaily ringing
    For the young and happy pair
    Now they hasten to the old folks side
    For a blessing to the groom and bride
    Now adown the shady lane they roam
    While the old folks sigh and slowly turn back home