Harland Allen Music

Lyrics

THE OLD MAN NEXT DOOR

For weeks I didn't know his name, I called him the old man next door
He sat outside on his folding chair and watched the world go by
He'd smile and wave and holler out, “do you want a cup of coffee?”
I'd wave back and say “not today, I've got way too much to do”

Then one day he was standing there, cup of coffee in his hand
I couldn't say no, so we sat down and I got to know the man
I learned his name and I told him mine, then I told him what I'd been callin' him
He laughed out loud, smiled and said, “age is a state of mind”

We talked a while then I said “I really have to go”
He smiled and said “all right then, but there's something you should know
A bit of age old wisdom I hope you won't ignore
A little gift from your new friend the old man next door”

Chorus:
Take the time to be a neighbor, take the time to be a
Take time for conversation, and to lend a helping hand
All the love you give away comes back to you and more
And will bring you joy and comfort when you're the old man next door

I left the old man sitting there, with that twinkle in his eyes
He knew I'd be back soon, but that comes as no surprise
Suddenly those chores I had could be done another day
So I turned around, sat back down and we talked a little more

I learned about his family, his children and his wife
And all the things he'd done so far in his long and fruitful life
He'd seen so much, been around the world but said his favorite thing to do
Was to talk and have some coffee, with a good friend or two

Chorus

We sit and talk each day now with a cup of cowboy brew
We swap lies and stories and an inside joke or two
His clever wit and humor leave me anxious to hear more
I'm so thankful for my new friend, the old man next door

Chorus

Coda:
All the love you give away comes back to you and more
And will bring you joy and comfort when you're the old man next door

Music and Lyrics by Harland Allen