You Weren't Around Back Then
by @dr_griff · @joe_addams
Liner Notes
#vampires #filk
If you've ever played a Vampire: The Masquerade game, you can probably picture this conversation - the old vampire telling the new one how his life is going to be now. Husband and I were talking about what he might say, and then this song happened. Enjoy!
Lyrics
(Capo 4)
V1
C Am
Back in 1887
F G
Back in my youth, you ken
C Am
But oh, I keep forgettin’
F G C
You weren’t around back then
I can’t believe it’s been so long
I still look just the same
No older than I was before
Though paler, to my shame
Chorus
F Am
It’s so hard to remember
F G Am
Not all of us are old
F G Am
You’re a young’un still, with a forceful will
F G
So young, so proud, so bold
F Am
Your youth will last forever
F G Am
You will never, ever age
F G Am
But that is hardly comfort
F G C
When you’ll be a youthful sage
V2
Six score and ten, the years have been
Since I was young, ‘tis true
I see myself within your eyes
I once was just like you
So let me tell you what’s in store
To prepare you for your role
You cannot go back to your life
Or death will claim your soul
Chorus
V3
You will never, ever marry
Your loves will all grow old
You’ll change your name and move away
So suspicions won’t take hold
Happiness is fleeting
You’ll watch your family die
Find others who are like us
With them does your future lie
Chorus
V4
Hide in darkest places
And sleep in darkest sway
You will never see the sunlight
Or the dawning of the day
Now you must take my counsel
Never go into the light
You must remember always
We are creatures of the night
Chorus
Outtro
C Am
Back in 1887
F G
Back in my youth, you ken
C Am
But oh, I keep forgettin’
F G C
You weren’t around back then
I was also entertained by how much of it applies to us old people who *aren't* vampires. 😀