"Old Time Fiddle" is a song by Vince Gill that expresses his nostalgia for traditional, old-time fiddle music. The lyrics reflect Gill's longing for the classic, lost sound of a fiddle and the joy it brings. In the first verse, Gill mentions his desire to hear an old-time fiddle and requests the song "Little Jolie Blon". He also hints at his willingness to partake in some drinking while enjoying the music. Gill adds that if anyone is looking for him, they will likely find him in the midst of the dance floor, fully engrossed in the music. The first chorus emphasizes Gill's yearning to experience a lively hoe-down, surrounded by familiar faces and the sweet sound of a fiddle breakdown. He invites others to join him once the sun goes down and describes the atmosphere as people banging on the screen door, eager to be a part of the old-time fiddle experience. In the second verse, Gill reminisces about a specific fiddle player, Herman Stover, who used to play "Listen To The Mockingbird". This memory takes him back to Piedmont, Oklahoma, where he recalls the delight he felt upon hearing the fiddle. The reference to Stover being a skinny old man in a cowboy band implies the impact he made despite limited resources. Gill longs to hear such authentic and captivating fiddle music once again. The second chorus reiterates Gill's yearning for a hoe-down, accompanied by the familiar tunes of classic fiddle songs like "Diggy Diggy Li" and "Cotten-Eyed Joe". He expresses his desire to hear an old-time fiddle, highlighting that this kind of music is not readily available anymore. Overall, "Old Time Fiddle" is a heartfelt and nostalgic song that encapsulates Vince Gill's deep appreciation for traditional fiddle music. He longs to relive the joy and energy of old-time fiddle gatherings, where the music brought people together in celebration.
