When I heard this song I knew Ben was more than just a great musician, but was also a great songwriter. It feels (like many of his songs) like it’s older than he is. The music fits the haunting sentiment and imagery of the song perfectly. I love that it’s a metaphor, and at the same time it’s not. It’s a parable that could have happened (and does happen) in real life. So tell me: what’s this song about?
THE OLD MAN
The poor old man kept mostly to himself
A book unread and dusty on the shelf
Seeds in packets, never sown
The Oldsmobile he barely drove
In the garden down on hands and knees
He hurries, taking care that no one sees
The money in the rusty tin
He lays it in the earth again
Unless the seed is sown
The flower hidden never opens
The bright young soldier came home from the war
And built this house some sixty years ago
To win the one his heart dreamed of
But she could not return his love
He wept and swore he’d never lose again
And so he laid his seasons end to end
Alone behind these quiet walls
And old man and a withered heart
Unless the seed is sown
The flower hidden never opens
Be sure and pick up Ben’s acclaimed album here at the Rabbit Room.
If you want individual tracks, click here for iTunes.
Andrew Peterson is a singer-songwriter and author. Andrew has released more than ten records over the past twenty years, earning him a reputation for songs that connect with his listeners in ways equally powerful, poetic, and intimate. As an author, Andrew’s books include the four volumes of the award-winning Wingfeather Saga, released in collectible hardcover editions through Random House in 2020, and his creative memoir, Adorning the Dark, released in 2019 through B&H Publishing.
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Russ Ramsey
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