The Meaning Behind The Song: Old Hippie by The Bellamy Brothers
If you were alive in the 1980s, then you probably heard The Bellamy Brothers’ hit song, “Old Hippie.” The song was catchy, fun, and relatable to a large number of Baby Boomers who had embraced the hippie lifestyle in the 1960s and 70s. But what was the song actually about? In this article, we’re going to explore the meaning behind “Old Hippie” and what it says about the changing attitudes towards aging and nostalgia in America.
Setting the Scene: The 1980s
To understand the context for “Old Hippie,” it’s important to remember what was happening in American culture in the 1980s. This was a time of great change, as the country emerged from the conservative Reagan era and began to embrace new technologies and social norms. At the same time, there was a growing sense of nostalgia for the 1960s and 70s, a time when young people had rebelled against authority and searched for meaning in music, drugs, and communes.
The Song Itself
If we focus specifically on the lyrics of “Old Hippie,” we can start to unpack its meaning. The song tells the story of an old man who is reminiscing about his rebellious youth. He remembers how he used to wear long hair and bell-bottoms, how he used to protest the war in Vietnam, and how he used to “drop acid” and get high with his friends. At the same time, he acknowledges that he’s no longer part of that scene – he’s now a middle-aged man with a wife and kids, living in suburbia.
The chorus of the song is the most memorable part: “He’s an old hippie and he don’t know what to do / Should he hang on to the old or grab on to the new / He’s an old hippie… his new life is just a bust / He ain’t trying to change nobody, he’s just trying real hard to adjust.”
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
So, what does all of this mean? There are a few key themes that emerge from the lyrics of “Old Hippie”:
– Nostalgia: The song is clearly about looking back on the past and feeling a sense of loss or regret. The old man misses his youth and the sense of freedom and rebellion that came with it. This sentiment was common in the 1980s, as Baby Boomers began to confront the reality of middle age and started to wonder if they had sold out to capitalist society.
– Conflict: The old man in the song is torn between his old values and the new reality of his life. He doesn’t want to give up his hippie ideals, but he also doesn’t want to abandon his family and responsibilities. This conflict between individual freedom and societal expectations was a hallmark of the hippie movement, and it’s something that many people still struggle with today.
– Adjustment: The chorus of “Old Hippie” acknowledges that the old man is trying to adjust to his new life. He’s not trying to change anyone else – he’s just trying to find a way to be happy and fulfilled within his current circumstances. This message resonated with many people in the 1980s, as they navigated a rapidly changing world and tried to figure out how to live meaningful lives.
The Legacy of “Old Hippie”
“Old Hippie” was a big hit for The Bellamy Brothers, and it remains a beloved song today. It’s been covered by other artists, and it’s still played on classic rock stations across America. But more than just a catchy tune, “Old Hippie” represents a cultural touchstone for a generation of Americans who came of age during the hippie era. The song taps into a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more authentic time – even as it acknowledges the difficulties of reconciling the past with the present.
Conclusion
In the end, “Old Hippie” is a powerful reminder of the way that music can capture the spirit of a generation. Even if you weren’t around in the 1960s or 70s, the song’s universal themes of nostalgia, conflict, and adjustment still resonate today. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the hippie movement, and a reminder that we all carry a little bit of that spirit within us – no matter how old we get.
