Old Ways
Neil Young · Mystery Train [2001]
it sure is hard
to change 'em
Come what may
It's hard to teach
a dinosaur a new trick
Lately I've been finding out
I'm set in my ways
Old ways,
can be your ball
and chain.
Oh, I'm gonna stop that grass
And give up all this drinking
Really gonna make my life last
Clean up my whole way of living
Up until the party last night
I was a different man
But old ways
got their way again.
The economy was getting so bad
I had to lay myself off
Well, working was a habit I had
So I kept showin' up anyway
Then one day
things turned around
I got my back pay
Old ways
comin' through again.
I got old ways.
Old Ways
Neil Young's "Old Ways" appears on the 2001 reissue of Mystery Train, a collection of tracks recorded during his 1972 tour of the American South. The song reflects the artist's signature blend of folk-rock and country influences, capturing the weary spirit of a road trip through the Deep South. Recorded with a raw, acoustic approach, the track exemplifies Young's ability to distill complex emotional landscapes into simple, resonant melodies. As part of the Mystery Train narrative, the song stands as a testament to the musician's enduring exploration of American roots music, blending traditional storytelling with his distinctive vocal delivery and guitar work. It remains a defining piece of his discography from that era, showcasing his commitment to authenticity and his deep connection to the folk tradition.