People Get Old

Album: The Tree (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is a contemplative look at Lori McKenna's upbringing as she pays tribute to her father. He raised Lori and her five siblings alone after her mom died when she was only six. McKenna has continued to live in her hometown of Stoughton, Massachusetts, so she can keep an eye on her aging dad, rather than making the move to Nashville. It's only now that he's reached the age of 83 that she's penned a song for him.

    "I never had a song for my dad," McKenna mused during a Country Music Hall of Fame event, "and I think it was probably because it's sort of too close, you know? Like, he's right there. It's almost easier to write a song for someone that isn't with us anymore."
  • McKenna told The Boston Globe she considers "People Get Old" to be "the anchor" of The Tree album, which follows the many ways we're shaped by our families. She added:

    "It just seemed fitting to have this be a record about aging and watching your kids go off and watching your parents age. If you had your kids young enough like I did, you have a point in life where your kids are leaving the house at the same time that your parents start showing signs of needing more help."
  • The music video for "People Get Old" was directed by John Moessner. It features McKenna flipping through an old photo album and wandering from room to room through Holly Williams' White's Mercantile Room and Board house in Cornersville, Tennessee.

Comments: 1

  • Adkannie from NyWhat is the wallpaper in that video? I love it!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."