Tom Lehrer: When You Are Old & Gray lyrics
The most popular type of popular song is of course the love song, and Id like to illustrate several subspecies of this form during the evening. first of all, the type of love song where the fel
Ells the girl that although the years ahead will almost certainly destroy every vestige of her already dubious charms, that nonetheless his love for her will shine on forever through the years,
Now. another example of stark realism in the popular song.
This particular example is called when you are old and gray, and Id like to dedicate it to anyone in the audience who is still in love with each other.
Since I still appreciate you,
Lets find love while we may.
Because I know Ill hate you
When you are old and gray.
So say you love me here and now,
Ill make the most of that.
Say you love and trust me,
For I know youll disgust me
When youre old and getting fat.
An awful debility,
A lessened utility,
A loss of mobility
Is a strong possibility.
In all probability
Ill lose my virility
And you your fertility
And desirability,
And this liability
Of total sterility
Will lead to hostility
And a sense of futility,
So lets act with agility
While we still have facility,
For well soon reach senility
And lose the ability.
Your teeth will start to go, dear,
Your waist will start to spread.
In twenty years or so, dear,
Ill wish that you were dead.
Ill never love you then at all
The way I do today.
So please remember,
When I leave in december,
I told you so in may.
