Songs and Lyrics (Lehrer)/When You Are Old and Gray

by Thomas Andrew Lehrer

WHEN YOU ARE OLD AND GRAY

words and music by Tom Lehrer

Since I still appreciate you,Let's find love while we may,Because I know I'll hate youWhen you are old and gray.

So say you love me here and now,I'll make the most of that.Say you love and trust me,For I know you'll disgust meWhen you're old and getting fat.

An awful debility,A lessened utility,A loss of mobilityIs a strong possibility.In all probabilityI'll lose my virilityAnd you your fertilityAnd desirability,And this liabilityOf total sterilityWill lead to hostilityAnd a sense of futility,So let's act with agilityWhile we still have facility,For we'll soon reach senilityAnd lose the ability.^[1]

Your teeth will start to go, dear,Your waist will start to spread.In twenty years or so, dear,I'll wish that you were dead.

I'll never love you then at allThe way I do today.So please remember,When I leave in December,I told you so in May.

1. additional bridge, written for TOMFOOLERY and inserted here:
   
   While enjoying our compatibility,
   I am cognizant of its fragility,
   And I question the advisability
   Of relying on its durability.
   You're aware of my inflexibility
   And my quintessential volatility
   And the total inconceivability
   Of my showing genuine humility.
   Though your undeniable nubility
   May excuse a certain puerility,
   Your alleged indispensability
   Underestimates my versatility,
   And your boyish irresponsibility
   And what now is charming juvenility
   Will in time lose their adorability
   And appear much more like imbecility.