Michael Johnson - "Old Folks"

Michael Johnson's cover of "Old Folks" (written by Jacques Brel, Gérard Jouannest and Jean Corti with English lyrics by Mort Shuman) was released on his 1973 album "There Is A Breeze."

[@hbbeverly]

I bought this album when it was new, and I couldn't bear to listen to it because it was so beautiful, and I knew it contained something I would have to experience first hand, if I lived long enough to see it. Years later in the 90's, I got to open up a show for him at the Parthenon in Nashville. He signed that album for me, and it's one of my most treasured musical keepsakes. I'm 70 now, and it's still hard to listen to this song, but it is without a doubt a work of art. John Denver also does a masterful job on this song.

[@christoorcutt4488]

I've been a fan and listening to Michael for over 45 years, and this song has/had a profound effect on how I viewed my own mortality. As I grow older by each second, this song now makes me sad and feeling most fragile. I AM now, one of the 'old folks' who's cat is dead. Tick tock, tick tock...

[@Fredcritter]

Me too. Ahh. Well. As John Prine says, "Hello in there."

[@christo5494]

@Fredcritter I played this haunting and beautiful song again tonight, as I have so many times this year losing some very kind friends. A friend of 50 years who I grew up with had complications in a surgery and is now in a coma. Now, every time someone passes within my scope of life, this song comes to mind. I appreciate the fact that you reflected, and I didn't know until tonight that anyone would have read what I wrote 2 years ago. I don't even remember having written two years ago, and was going to write something tonight. Reading your comment gave me a sense of acceptance and understanding. Your kind response made me smile, Fredcritter. What a great handle, and I'm sure you and I share a lot in common within these golden years, it's all we've got left. Godspeed Fredcritter, someday we shall meet, I'm sure of it. Like you said about John Prine, "hello in there". I hope you are still out enjoying this beautiful gift of life, listening to a good tune and possibly wishing to burn one with John Prine. If not, it won't be long until till we meet within the other time continuum.

[@dr1622]

What a gem. Good lord.

[@highbaritone]

Beautiful

[@RachelWeeping]

They could always get a new cat.

[@opentrunk]

It turns out to not really be as bad as he says. Not yet anyway.