Neil Young “Old Man” Meaning

Neil Young’s “Old Man” is a classic song that has been enjoyed by music lovers for decades. The song was released in 1972 as part of his album “Harvest”. It is a beautiful and emotional song that has touched the hearts of many people around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of Neil Young’s “Old Man” song.

Who is the Old Man?

The “Old Man” in the song refers to Louis Avila, who was the caretaker of Neil Young’s ranch in California. Neil Young purchased the ranch in 1970, a couple of years before he wrote the song. The ranch was called Broken Arrow Ranch, and it was a massive piece of land, being 140 acres large. Louis Avila was an old gentleman who had worked tirelessly on the ranch for many years. Neil Young was inspired by Louis Avila’s life and experiences, and he wrote the song as a tribute to him.

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “Old Man” are simple yet powerful. The song compares a young man’s life to an old man’s and shows that the old man was once like this young man. The song talks about the pressing issue on Young’s mind at the time, which was “love lost”. He had just divorced from his first wife, Susan Acevedo, the same year he purchased Broken Arrow Ranch. So on top of that, relatively speaking, being a very young age to become a divorcee, it is understandable why then, as implied in the first verse, he is looking for a sense of permanency in his life. And Neil is seeking such an item, if you will, via the old man’s advice, i.e. a figure whom he has seemingly concluded is wiser than himself.

The Chorus

The chorus of “Old Man” is one of the most memorable parts of the song. It talks about how the old man and Neil Young are a lot alike. They both need someone to love them. The chorus is a beautiful and emotional part of the song that has touched the hearts of many people around the world.

The Deeper Meaning

While “Old Man” may be a touching tribute to an old ranch caretaker, the song’s deeper meaning is much more universal. Young is using the song as a metaphor for his own life, expressing his own fears and anxieties about growing older. Through the lyrics of “Old Man,” Young explores the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the fear of growing old. The song is a reminder that we all grow old, and that we all need someone to love us.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Neil Young’s “Old Man” song:

What is the meaning of Neil Young’s “Old Man” song?

The song is a tribute to Louis Avila, who was the caretaker of Neil Young’s ranch in California. The song compares a young man’s life to an old man’s and shows that the old man was once like this young man. The song talks about the pressing issue on Young’s mind at the time, which was “love lost”.

Who is the old man in Neil Young’s “Old Man” song?

The “Old Man” in the song refers to Louis Avila, who was the caretaker of Neil Young’s ranch in California. Neil Young was inspired by Louis Avila’s life and experiences, and he wrote the song as a tribute to him.

What is the chorus of Neil Young’s “Old Man” song?

The chorus of “Old Man” talks about how the old man and Neil Young are a lot alike. They both need someone to love them. The chorus is a beautiful and emotional part of the song that has touched the hearts of many people around the world.