About the song
Jim Croce, a folk singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice, penned “Age” as a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the challenges of aging. This introspective ballad, released in 1972, became a popular addition to Croce’s live performances and a beloved song among his dedicated fanbase.
With his distinctive raspy voice and intimate delivery, Croce explores themes of mortality, regret, and the search for meaning in life. The song’s lyrics offer a candid and honest portrayal of the aging process, capturing both its joys and its sorrows. Through Croce’s emotive vocals and the song’s haunting melody, listeners are invited to contemplate their own lives and experiences.
The opening lines, “I’ve been around a while, seen a lot of things,” set the stage for a song that reflects on a life well-lived. Croce acknowledges the challenges and regrets that come with aging, but he also celebrates the wisdom and experience that time brings. The song’s refrain, “Age, it’s just another word for the price you pay,” conveys a sense of acceptance and resignation.
Throughout the song, Croce uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his thoughts on aging. He references the “old familiar faces” who have passed away and the “younger generation” who are full of hope and promise. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past, while also expressing a hope for the future.
“Age” is more than just a song about aging; it is a testament to the human experience. Croce’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing the moments we have. This timeless classic continues to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder that aging is a natural part of life and that it is never too late to find meaning and purpose.
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Lyrics
I’ve been up and down and around and ’round and back again,
I’ve been so many places I can’t remember where or when.
And my only boss was the clock on the wall and my only friend
Never really was a friend at all.I’ve traded love for pennies, sold my soul for less,
Lost my ideals in that long tunnel of time.
I’ve turned inside out and around about and back and then
Found myself right back where I started again.Once I had myself a million, now I’ve only got a dime,
The diff’rence don’t seem quite as bad today.
With a nickel or a million, I was searching all the time
For something that I never lost or left behind.I’ve traded love for pennies, sold my soul for less,
Lost my ideals in that long tunnel of time.
I’ve turned inside out and around about and back and then
Found myself right back where I started again.And Now I’m in my second circle and I’m headin’ for the top,
I’ve learned a lot of things along the way.
I’ll be careful while I’m climbin’ ’cause it hurts a lot to drop,
When you’re down nobody gives a damn anyway.I’ve traded love for pennies, sold my soul for less,
Lost my ideals in that long tunnel of time.
I’ve turned inside out and around about and back and then
Found myself right back where I started again.