My autumn's gone

Lee Hazlewood's 'My autumn's gone' is a poignant reflection on aging and the acceptance of life's inevitable decline. The song's lyrics are imbued with a sense of resignation and a desire to let go of societal expectations. Hazlewood's deep, gravelly voice adds a layer of gravitas to the themes of the song, making it a powerful meditation on the passage of time.

The opening lines, 'Kiss all the pretty ones goodbye / Give everyone a penny that cry,' suggest a farewell to youth and beauty, as well as a recognition of the emotional toll that life can take. The mention of throwing away tranquilizer pills and letting blood pressure rise indicates a rejection of the medicalization of aging and a desire to live life on one's own terms. This sentiment is further emphasized in the chorus, 'For my autumn's done come,' which repeats the idea that the speaker has reached a point of acceptance and is ready to embrace the next phase of life.

In the second verse, Hazlewood sings about letting go of societal pressures, such as maintaining a certain appearance or striving for material success. The lines 'I'm tired of holdin' my stomach in / No more slinky folk dollars for me' convey a sense of relief and liberation. The reference to 'Sears & Roebuck dollars' suggests a return to simpler, more authentic values. The final verse, with its imagery of a hammock between two trees and a desire to be left alone, paints a picture of a man who has found peace and contentment in solitude. The repeated refrain, 'For my autumn's done come,' serves as a reminder that aging is a natural part of life and can be embraced with grace and dignity.