I Want To Be Old

The Cure · Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Re-Issue Disc 2) [2004]

I want to be old

And creak by the fire

I want to smell of rotting wood

It's all I desire

I want my joints to seize up

I want my legs to ache

I want my eyesight to fail

I want my skin to flake

To be old

I want to be old

I want false teeth

And not be able to chew

I want to be senile

A centenarian fool

I want lots of wrinkles

Want my hearing to go

I want to be ignored

And I want to be slow

To be old

I want to be old

I Want To Be Old

I Want To Be Old captures The Cure's early post-punk sensibility, showcasing the band's signature blend of melancholic melodies and driving rhythms. Released during the era of Three Imaginary Boys, the track reflects Robert Smith's introspective songwriting and the group's evolving sound as they moved away from their initial new wave roots. The recording stands as a testament to the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant music that balances darkness with an underlying sense of hope. As part of their foundational discography, this song highlights the creative energy that would define their subsequent decades of influence. It remains a cherished piece for fans exploring the depth of their early catalogue, offering a glimpse into the artistic development that propelled The Cure to international acclaim.