Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll, Too Young to Die! is the ninth studio album released by British band Jethro Tull, recorded in December 1975 and released in 1976.
It is the first album to include bassist John Glascock who also contributes with backing vocals. Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die! is the last Jethro Tull concept album, which follows the story of Ray Lomas, an ageing rocker who found fame with the changes of musical trends.
Lyrics
The old rocker wore his hair too long. Wore his trouser cuffs too tight.
Unfashionable to the end drank his ale too light.
Death's head belts buckle, yesterday's dreams. The transport caf' prophet of doom.
Ringing no change in his double sewn seams. In his post-war babe gloom.
Now he's too old to rock 'n' roll. But he's too young to die.
Yes, he's too old to rock 'n' roll. But he's too young to die.
He once owned a Harley Davidson. And a triumph Bonneville.
Counted his friends in burned out spark plugs. And prays that he always will.
But he's the last of the blue blood greasers boys. And all of his mates are doing time.
Married with three kids up by the ring road. Sold their souls straight down the line.
And some of them own little sports cars. And meet at the tennis club do's.
For drinks on a Sunday, work on Monday. They've thrown away their blue suede shoes.
Now they're too old to rock 'n' roll. And they're too young to die.
And they're too old to rock 'n' roll. And they're too young to die.
So the old rocker gets out his bike. To make a ton before he takes his leave.
Up on the A1 by Scotch Corner. Just like it used to be.
And as he flies, tears in his eyes. His wind-whipped words echo the final take.
And he hits the trunk road doing around a 120. With no room left to brake.
And he was too old to rock 'n' roll. But he was too young to die.
He was too old to rock 'n' roll. And he was too young to die.
No, you're never too old to rock 'n' roll. If you're too young to die.
Incomprehensible never too old to rock 'n' roll. But he was too young to die.
