The World According to Garp

When I get older losing my hair, Many years from now, Will you still be sending me a valentine Birthday greetings bottle of wine? If I'd been out till quarter to three Would you lock the door, Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I'm sixty-four? oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oooo You'll be older too, (ah ah ah ah ah) And if you say the word, I could stay with you. I could be handy mending a fuse When your lights have gone. You can knit a sweater by the fireside Sunday mornings go for a ride. Doing the garden, digging the weeds, Who could ask for more? Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I'm sixty-four? Every summer we can rent a cottage In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear We shall scrimp and save Grandchildren on your knee Vera, Chuck, and Dave Send me a postcard, drop me a line, Stating point of view. Indicate precisely what you mean to say Yours sincerely, Wasting Away. Give me your answer, fill in a form Mine for evermore Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I'm sixty-four? Whoo!

The World According to Garp is John Irving's fourth novel. Published in 1978, the book was a bestseller for several years. It was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction in 1979, and its first paperback edition won the Award the following year.