About the Song
Tom T. Hall, a storyteller bard of country music, weaves a tapestry of humor and life lessons in his 1972 hit, âOld Dogs, Children & Watermelon Wineâ. This seemingly lighthearted song, with its catchy melody and folksy charm, delves deeper upon reflection, offering a poignant look at aging, the simple joys in life, and the importance of cherishing the present.
The song opens with a folksy guitar riff, setting a relaxed and nostalgic tone. Hallâs distinctive baritone voice, both wry and comforting, introduces the central characters: âold dogsâ â weary souls whoâve seen it all â and âchildrenâ â full of life and innocent curiosity. These contrasting figures become symbolic of different stages in lifeâs journey.
The lyrics paint a picture of a simple gathering, a porch swing swaying gently as laughter fills the air. Watermelon wine, a homemade concoction specific to the Southern United States, becomes a metaphor for the simple pleasures that bring joy. Lines like âSipping on that sweet watermelon wineâ evoke a sense of contentment and nostalgia for simpler times.
âOld Dogs, Children & Watermelon Wineâ isnât just about summer afternoons and sweet drinks. Itâs a meditation on aging and the passage of time. The âold dogsâ offer sage advice, urging the children to âhold on to your dreamsâ and âdonât let the world steal your sunshine.â These words resonate with a deeper meaning, reminding us to cherish the present and hold onto the youthful spirit that allows us to find joy in the simple things.
The song takes a humorous turn with the line, âJohn told me one time he said you know Tom Jesus he says look weâre drinking and thatâs it really you said yeah he said it makes me break out dallas-fort worth windows doors.â This nonsensical anecdote, delivered with Hallâs signature deadpan humor, adds a touch of levity and reinforces the carefree spirit of the song.
However, beneath the surface humor lies a deeper philosophical message. The âold dogs,â despite their age and weariness, still find joy in lifeâs simple pleasures. They understand the value of living in the moment and appreciating the company of loved ones.
âOld Dogs, Children & Watermelon Wineâ remains a beloved classic, a song that transcends generations. Its nostalgic charm and relatable themes resonate with listeners of all ages. Itâs a reminder that true happiness often lies in the simple things, in the warmth of companionship, and in cherishing the present moment before it fades into memory.
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Lyrics: Old Dogs Children & Watermelon Wine
âHow old do you think I am? â he said.
I said, well, I didnât know.
He said, âI turned 65 about 11 months ago.â
I was sittinâ in Miami pourinâ blended whiskey down
When this old gray black gentleman was cleaninâ up the lounge
There wasnât anyone around âcept this old man and me
The guy who ran the bar was watchinâ âironsidesâ on tv
Uninvited, he sat down and opened up his mind
On old dogs and children and watermelon wine
âEver had a drink of watermelon wine? â he asked
He told me all about it, though I didnât answer back
âAinât but three things in this world thatâs worth a solitary dime,
But old dogs and children and watermelon wine.â
He said, âwomen think about they-selves, when menfolk ainât around.
And friends are hard to find when they discover that youâre down.â
He said, âI tried it all when I was young and in my natural prime;
Now itâs old dogs and children and watermelon wine.â
âOld dogs care about you even when you make mistakes;
God bless little children while theyâre still too young to hate.â
When he moved away I found my pen and copied down that line
âBout old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
I had to catch a plane up to Atlanta that next day
As I left for my room I saw him pickinâ up my change
That night I dreamed in peaceful sleep of shady summertime
Of old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
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Iâm So Lonesome I Could Cry â Hank Williams, Sr. The End of the World â Brenda Lee