Lyrics Tom Paxton – Hush Old Man

Hush old man, you sour old man
You and your crabbin’ are gettin’ old
The Lord himself couldn’t make you smile
The weather is always to too hot or too cold

Bring me a drink o’ water, son
Cool drink of water would sure taste nice
I do believe the well’s gone bad
Or maybe you put in too much ice

Hush old man, you sour old man
Don’t start up with the same complaints
Drink it just like the young folks do
I swear you’d rile a trial of saints

Believe I’d like to sleep outdoors
Sleep outdoors in the air tonight
Move my bed where the moon don’t shine
Can’t fall asleep in the bright moonlight

Hush old man, you sour old man
I’ll move your bed and you’ll sleep real tight
Moonlight’ll be no problem at all
A little moonshine and you’ll sleep all night

Open the door and let me in
Can’t quit shakin’ or catch my breath
Timberwolves come south for food
Like they scared me to death

Hush old man, you sour old man
Swear you’ll drive me off the place
Ain’t been wolves for fifty years
But a Bluetick Hound just lickin’ your face

I’m an old man sure; I’m old and sour
Crosses to bear and I don’t know why

Hush old man, you sour old man
I can’t explain it; no-one can
It’s hard for me to speak of love
So I won’t — but stick around old man