Talking Old Soldiers
Echoes of Time: Elton John's Poignant Reflection on Aging Soldiers
Lyrics
Why hello, say can I buy you another glass of beer
Initiating a conversation, offering to buy another drink for someone.
Well thanks a lot that's kind of you, it's nice to know you care
Expressing gratitude for the offer, acknowledging kindness and care.
These days there's so much going on
Commenting on the busyness of contemporary life.
No one seems to want to know
Observing a lack of interest or concern from others.
I may be just an old soldier to some
Self-identifying as an old soldier, possibly feeling overlooked or forgotten.
But I know how it feels to grow old
Expressing understanding of the aging process and its challenges.
Yeah that's right, you can see me here most every night
Confirming regular presence at a specific location.
You'll always see me staring at the walls and at the lights
Describing a habitual behavior of staring at walls and lights.
Funny I remember oh it's years ago I'd say
Recalling a distant memory from years ago.
I'd stand at that bar with my friends who've passed away
Reflecting on past socializing with friends who have passed away.
And drink three times the beer that I can drink today
Noting a change in drinking habits over time.
Yes I know how it feels to grow old
Reiterating empathy for the experience of growing old.
I know what they're saying son
Addressing a younger person, acknowledging what they might be saying about the old man.
There goes old man Joe again
Reacting to the perception of being viewed as "old man Joe."
Well I may be mad at that I've seen enough
Indicating exposure to distressing or traumatic experiences.
To make a man go out his brains
Suggesting that such experiences can lead to mental strain.
Well do they know what it's like
Pondering whether others understand the challenges faced.
To have a graveyard as a friend
Metaphorically describing a graveyard as a friend, implying familiarity with death.
'Cause that's where they are boy, all of them
Highlighting the reality of losing friends to death.
Don't seem likely I'll get friends like that again
Expressing doubt about forming new friendships like the ones lost.
Well it's time I moved off
Announcing the intention to leave.
But it's been great just listening to you
Expressing appreciation for the conversation.
And I might even see you next time I'm passing through
Suggesting the possibility of meeting again in the future.
You're right there's so much going on
Reiterating the lack of interest or concern from others.
No one seems to want to know
Reflecting on the overwhelming nature of contemporary life.
So keep well, keep well old friend
Wishing the old friend well and encouraging another drink.
And have another drink on me
Advising to cherish personal memories despite external opinions.
Just ignore all the others you got your memories
Encouraging the old friend to ignore external judgments and enjoy their memories.
You got your memories
Emphasizing the value of personal memories in the face of societal indifference.
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