[Verse 1]
We had an apartment in the city
Me and Loretta like living there
Well, it's been years since the kids have grown
A life of their own, left us alone

[Verse 2]
John and Linda live in Omaha
And Joe is somewhere on the road
We lost Davy in the Korean War
Still don’t know what for, don't matter anymore

[Chorus]
You know that old trees just grow stronger
And old rivers grow wilder every day
But old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there, hello"

[Verse 3]
Me and Loretta, we don't talk much anymore
She sits and stares through the backdoor screen
And all the news just repeats itself
Like some forgotten dream that we’ve both seen

[Verse 4]
Someday I'll go and call up Rudy
We worked together at the factory
But what could I say if he asks "What's new?"
"Nothing, what's with you? Nothing much to do"
[Chorus]
You know that old trees just grow stronger
And old rivers wilder every day
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there"

[Verse 5]
So if you're walking down the street sometime
And spot some hollow ancient eyes
Please don't just pass 'em by and stare
As if you didn't care, say, "Hello in there, hello"