‘There are loads of songs about young love,’ complained a middle-aged lady at the Teignmouth Folk Club, ‘but hardly any about us oldies.’

‘But,’ she went on, ‘you can fall in love at any age can’t you?’ though nodding approvingly, I admitted I rarely sang about romance and, if I did, as per many folk songs, there was usually a nasty death included somewhere. ‘Why don’t you write a love song for our generation?’ she challenged, ignoring my reservations.

Over the next couple of weeks I tried to forget her request but was, I admit, intrigued by the idea. However all my attempts stumbled at the first hurdle – being too corny, old hat or just plain rubbish. However, I was watching a TV programme on wild flowers and recalled how a little girl at my first school had given me a daisy chain. As is often the case, the chorus came easily – so easily in fact I couldn’t believe another song-writer hadn’t already used it and did a Google check before proceeding.

Actually my song, which has a country feel, is still pretty corny – but I like it just the same. And, a good test, it feels comfortable to sing and is easy to learn. It isn’t just about love in old age, of course, but rather how love can continue and change throughout life – though best not to analyse it too much.

By the way – my next album project is to be called Broken Biscuits which will feature (hopefully) this song and others highlighting matters relating to the older generation. Actually, I dislike admitting my age, not because I have any problems with growing old per se but because I know many others have preconceptions. I don’t usually feel old – and that to me is all that matters.

DAISY CHAIN

I was standing alone in the playground,                                                                                                                                                                                              A poor worried kid just five years old.                                                                                                                                                                                              When this little girl in pigtails came up to me and smiled,                                                                                                                                                         And gave me her daisy chain to hold.

Chorus

Daisy chain, daisy chain,                                                                                                                                                                                                                   More precious than diamonds and gold.                                                                                                                                                                                        This little girl in pigtails came up to me and smiled,                                                                                                                                                                     And she gave me her daisy chain to hold.

Then all summer long we played together,                                                                                                                                                                                      Till my folks they up and moved so far away.                                                                                                                                                                                 And in another town, feeling so let down,                                                                                                                                                                                         Till the girl next door invited me to play.

And so the years flowed on like any river,                                                                                                                                                                                         As friendships turned into love affairs.                                                                                                                                                                                               Had my heart broken in two, and thought my life was through,                                                                                                                                                  TilI I finally found someone who really cared.

But if sometimes life troubles and other work-a-day things,                                                                                                                                                     Ever begin to get me down,                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I wish I could be – a kid again so free,                                                                                                                                                                                         Picking wild flowers all around.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Buttercups and bluebells, and sweet columbine,                                                                                                                                                                       Primrose, poppies, and wild mountain thyme.                                                                                                                                                                              And so many others there to see,                                                                                                                                                                                                        But daisies are the only ones for me.

I was standing alone in the city,                                                                                                                                                                                                            A poor worried man, growing old.                                                                                                                                                                                                 When this little grey haired lady, came up to me and smiled,                                                                                                                                                     And gave me her loving arm to hold.

P.S. As with many innocent phrases, ‘daisy chain’ may have other slang meanings but none were intended here.