Ballad Of The Sad Young Men

Roberta Flack · Original Album Series [2012]

Sing a song of sad young men, glasses full of rye

All the news is bad again, kiss your dreams goodbye



All the sad young men, sitting in the bars

Knowing neon nights, and missing all the stars



All the sad young men, drifting through the town

Drinking up the night, trying not to drown



All the sad young men, singing in the cold

Trying to forget, that they're growing old



All the sad young men, choking on their youth

Trying to be brave, running from the truth



Autumn turns the leaves to gold, slowly dies the heart

Sad young men are growing old, that's the cruellest part



All the sad young men, seek a certain smile

Someone they can hold, for just a little while



Tired little girl, does the best she can

Trying to be gay, for a sad young men



While a grimy moon, watches from above

All the sad young men, who play at making love



Misbegotten moon shine for sad young men

Let your gentle light guide them home again

All the sad, sad, sad, young men

Ballad Of The Sad Young Men

Roberta Flack's "Ballad Of The Sad Young Men" stands as a defining example of her late-career resurgence, blending soulful vocals with a lush, orchestral arrangement. Released on the "Original Album Series [2012]" compilation, the track reflects her enduring mastery of the soft rock and soul genres. The recording captures Flack's signature emotive delivery, characterized by her distinctive falsetto and intimate connection with the material. While the song was not part of her initial discography, it highlights her continued relevance and artistic depth in the modern era, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classic themes with contemporary production values. The piece remains a testament to her career-long commitment to emotional authenticity and musical sophistication.