NOW I'M SIXTY-FOUR
Time signature: 3/4 (waltz)
Tempo: moderate |
Composer: unknown
Popularized by Harry Hibbs & others |
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Notation and youTube keys need to be checked.
Accordion Notation
Beats per bar = 3
Beat symbol = Dot ( . ) or equivalent |
Either row (high) = Buttons 5 - 9*
Inner row (low) = Buttons 2 - 5*, plus o3* |
Verse 1 (of 3)
.5 | :5 .4 | :5 .5* | :4 .3* | :3 "3 "3* | :4 .4 | .3* .3 .o3* | .:2~ | ~:
I pon-dered on those days gone by as I sat be - side__ the mill____,
.3 | :3 .2 | :3 .3* | .4 :5 | :5* "5* "5* | :5 .4 | :3* .3 | .:3*~ | ~:
And gazed up - on the set-ing sun as it sank be - neath the hill____;
.5 | :5 .4 | :5 .5* | :4 .3* | :3 "3 "3* | :4 .4 | .3* .3 .o3* | .:2~ | ~:
I gazed on it once more, me boys, 'twas the ver - y sun__ I'd seen___,
.3 | :3 .2 | :3 .3* | .4 :5 | :5* .5* | .5 .4 .3 | :4 .3* | .:3~ | ~. .r
It's just the same now as it was when we___ were sweet six - teen___.
Refrain:
.5 | :5 .4 | :5 .5* | :4 .3* | :3 "3 "3* | :4 .4 | .3* .3 .o3* | .:2~ | ~:
Oh, how I long for those bright days to___ come a - gain__ once more___,
.3 | :3 .2 | :3 .3* | .4 :5 | :5* .5* | .5 .4 .3 | :4 .3* | .:3~ | ~:
But come a - gain they nev-er will for now__ I'm six-ty - four____.
Embedded youTube VIDEOS
20 Videos in various keys:
Key: G
Singer: Harry Hibbs Posted by: oldirishladdie |
|
Key: G
Group: Figgy Duff Posted by: roothogordie A great instrumental performance. Not sure, but I think it was Art Stoyles on the accordion? |
|
Key: F
Group: The Wild Colonial Boys Posted by: The Wild Colonial Boys |
|
Key: G
Accordionist: Wayne ? Posted by: wayne1766 Music starts at time 0:23 |
|
Key: G
Group: Ryan's Fancy Posted by: quickaccent2006 |
|
Key: G
Accordionist: Mary ? Guitarist: ? Posted by: labradornl Beautifully played by both. |
|
Key: D
Group: Connemara Posted by: gdgest |
|
Key: A from time 0 to 2:04
Bb from 2:05 to END Singer: Declan Nerney Posted by: nerneyirish123 |
|
Key: C
Singer: Allison Crowe Posted by: Allison Crowe |
|
Key: C
Singer: Padraig Grimes Posted by: Padraig Grimes |
|
Key: G
Singer: Corey Hepditch & Friends Posted by: codo27 |
|
Key: F
Singer: Mike Pention Posted by: Diane Davis Performance at the Etheridge's Point Seaside Festival, Joe Batt's Arm, Fogo Island, 2016. Mike is playing in D with capo at 3rd fret, to sound in key of F. |
|
Key: D
Accordionists: Gary Pomroy Guitar/Vocals: Richard Woodrow Posted by: Richard Woodrow |
|
Key: D
Singer: Mike ? Posted by: mike1409040 |
|
Key: D
Performers: Conrans & Friends Posted by: theconrans |
|
Key: D
Group: Codskiff Accordionist: Charlie Matthews Vocals: Wes Bath and Carl Sheppard Posted by: codskiff04 Outport Dinner theater, La Scie, NL, 2011 |
|
Key: C
Performers: Allison Crowe & Band Posted by: Allison Crowe |
|
Key: C
Performer: Charlene Sudbrink Posted by: Town of Carbonear |
|
Key: D
Performer: Dale Clements Posted by: Dale Clements |
|
Key: D
Group: Wonderful Grand Band Posted by: ShinyGlow |
|
Background Materials, Information & Links
Lyrics:
Verse 1 Refrain Verse 2 Verse 3 verse 4 |
I pondered on those days gone by as I sat beside the mill, And gazed upon the setting sun as it sank beneath the hill; I gazed on it once more, me boys, 'twas the very sun I'd seen, It's just the same now as it was when we were sweet sixteen. Oh, how I long for those bright days to come again once more, But come again they never will for now I'm sixty-four. I went a little further on, as up the hill I walked, I sat down on that very spot where we often sat and talked; We talked about those happy days, so blissful and serene, We talked about those happy days, when we were sweet sixteen. Refrain The little fish swim in the brook and wander down below, They swim on still, and ever will, as they did long, long ago; The little meadow by the brook is just as fresh and green, It's just the same now as it was when we were sweet sixteen. Refrain Oh, the past is past and she is gone, on earth we'll meet no more, But we will meet in heaven above on that eternal shore; And when we meet we'll part no more, we both will reign supreme, No more to sing of days gone by when we were sweet sixteen. Refrain x 2 |
Background Links:
|
Dr. Neil Rosenberg of MUN's Department of Folklore wrote that "Now I'm Sixty-Four,also known as When we Were Sweet Sixteen, is in the style of 'parlour songs' - popular hits from the late 19th or early 20th century. However, its origin is unkown." For the remainder of Dr. Rosenberg's background info on this song, check Volume 1 of Vinland Music's Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador.
I highly recommend Vinland's excellent songbook series, both for the music (for piano, guitar, etc.) and for the background commentary. Click HERE to purchase these song/music books directly from Vinland. In my view, they are well worth the cost. |