Oh Lordy, how my heart grows weary, far from the old folks at home.
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This is a sentence in the song "Swanee River.
Q1: " What is the meaning of "Lordy" here? Is Lordy one of his friends' name?
Q2: Who are 'the old folks'? Are they the songwriter's father and mother?
No, "Oh Lordy" is just an old-time way of saying "Oh God."
And "old folks" could mean his parents or simply refer to all the people he knew in his hometown.
Q1: In the context of the song "Swanee River," the word "Lordy" is an interjection used to express surprise, shock, or exasperation. It doesn't refer to as a name of one of his friends. It is a colloquial expression that the songwriter uses to convey his emotions or emphasize a certain sentiment in the lyrics.
Q2: "The old folks" is a phrase used to refer to the songwriter's parents or elderly relatives. It is a way of expressing nostalgia and longing for his familial and familiar roots. In this particular line, it signifies the writer's longing for the comfort and company of his loved ones who may not be physically present with him at that moment.
To determine the meaning behind specific words or phrases in a song, it can be helpful to consider the context of the lyrics, the songwriter's intent, and the broader themes of the song. Additionally, researching the historical background or analyzing the songwriter's personal experiences can provide further insight into the meaning of the lyrics.