About the song
**This Ole House: A Timeless Classic**
Rosemary Clooney’s rendition of “This Ole House” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today, over half a century after its initial release in 1954. This upbeat, catchy tune, with its infectious melody and Clooney’s warm, inviting vocals, has cemented itself as a beloved standard in American popular music.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a simple, carefree life lived within the confines of a humble abode. The narrator expresses a deep contentment and satisfaction with their modest surroundings, emphasizing the importance of home and family. The phrase “this ole house” serves as a symbol of comfort, stability, and belonging.
Clooney’s interpretation of the song is characterized by her effortless delivery and impeccable phrasing. Her voice, rich and expressive, perfectly captures the song’s nostalgic and sentimental undertones. She infuses the lyrics with emotion, making the listener feel a sense of warmth and familiarity.
The song’s arrangement is equally noteworthy. The instrumentation is kept simple, allowing Clooney’s vocals to take center stage. The accompaniment, featuring a lively rhythm section and subtle horn arrangements, provides a solid foundation for the melody.
“This Ole House” has been covered by countless artists over the years, but Clooney’s version remains the definitive interpretation. Her performance is a testament to her talent and versatility as a singer. The song’s enduring popularity is a reflection of its timeless appeal and Clooney’s ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
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Lyrics
This ole house once knew his children
This ole house once knew his wife
This ole house was home and comfort
As they fought the storms of life
This old house once rang with laughter
This old house heard many shouts
Now he trembles in the darkness
When the lightnin’ walks aboutAin’t a-gonna need this house no longer
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no more
Ain’t got time to fix the shingles
Ain’t got time to fix the floor
Ain’t got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the windowpane
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer
He’s a-gettin’ ready to meet the saintsThis ole house is a-gettin’ shaky
This ole house is a-gettin’ old
This ole house lets in the rain
This ole house lets in the cold
On his knees are a-gettin’ chilly
But he feel no fear or pain
‘Cause he see an angel peekin’
Through a broken windowpaneAin’t a-gonna need this house no longer
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no more
Ain’t got time to fix the shingles
Ain’t got time to fix the floor
Ain’t got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the windowpane
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer
He’s a-gettin’ ready to meet the saintsThis ole house is afraid of thunder
This ole house is afraid of storms
This ole house just groans and trembles
When the night wind flings its arms
This ole house is gettin’ feeble
This old house is needin’ paint
Just like him it’s tuckered out
But he’s a-gettin’ ready to meet the saintsAin’t a-gonna need this house no longer
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no more
Ain’t got time to fix the shingles
Ain’t got time to fix the floor
Ain’t got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the windowpane
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer
He’s a-gettin’ ready to meet the saints
ready to meet the saints