Introduction:
“The Older I Get” by Alan Jackson was released on October 20, 2017, and reflects on the singer’s thoughts about aging and life’s journey. It was one of the key releases leading up to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame that same month. Written by Adam Wright, Hailey Whitters, and Sarah Allison Turner, the song’s initial tone was more somber, but Jackson suggested revisions to give it a more positive, reflective perspective. The lyrics convey feelings of gratitude and contentment, focusing on the wisdom and peace that come with age.
This single marked Jackson’s return to the music scene after a two-year hiatus and offered fans a preview of his next studio album, Where Have You Gone (2021). The song resonates with his traditional country style, with a modern touch that has defined his career. The song’s themes of reflection and appreciation are deeply personal, mirroring his own life experiences and career milestones.
Jackson’s influence on country music spans decades, with numerous awards, including multiple CMA Entertainer of the Year titles. “The Older I Get” is another example of how he blends personal sentiment with universal themes, creating music that continues to connect with listeners.
Video:
Lyrics:
“The Older I Get”
The older I get
The more I think
You only get a minute
Better live while you’re in it
‘Cause it’s gone in a blinkAnd the older I get
The truer it is
It’s the people you love
Not the money and stuff
That makes you richAnd if they found a fountain of youth
I wouldn’t drink a drop
And that’s the truth
Funny how it feels I’m just gettin’ to
My best years yetThe older I get
The fewer friends I have
But you don’t need a lot
When the ones that you’ve got
Have always got your backAnd the older I get
The better I am
At knowing when to give
And when to just not give a damnAnd if they found a fountain of youth
I wouldn’t drink a drop
And that’s the truth
Funny how it feels I’m just gettin’ to
My best years yet
The older I getAnd I don’t mind all the lines
From all the times
I’ve laughed and cried
Souvenirs and little signs
Of the life I’ve livedThe older I get
The longer I pray
I don’t know why
I guess that I’ve got more to say
And the older I get
The more thankful I feel
For the life I’ve had
And all the life I’m living still