If I Leave You, It Doesn't Mean I Love You Any Less
This morning, listening to NPR, they concluded a story about the funeral of a MA soldier recently killed in Iraq, under "non-combat circumstances". One of his senior officers told NPR he was shot on base. No matter the circumstance, a soldier's death is always hard for family, friends, and community.
The end of the story had a music bed, which was an acoustic rendition of this song. Whether it was from the soldier's funeral, or an unidentified cover, I don't know, nor care. I began to cry, hard, at the wheel of my car, in the driving rain, at how sad this story truly is. My friend Meaghan later told me this soldier was one of her brother's recruits. Six degrees of separation, I guess.
I have always adored this song, for its place in Warren's canon, the sentiment behind it, its simplicity and beauty and frailty. When I die, someone should sing this because it will be what I want to say to you all when I go.
Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for awhile
If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for awhile
When you get up in the morning and you see that crazy sun
Keep me in your heart for while
There's a train leaving nightly called when all is said and done
Keep me in your heart for while
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for while
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for while
Sometimes when you're doing simple things around the house
Maybe you'll think of me and smile
You know I'm tied to you like the buttons on your blouse
Keep me in your heart for while
Hold me in your thoughts, take me to your dreams
Touch me as I fall into view
When the winter comes keep the fires lit
And I will be right next to you
Engine driver's headed north to Pleasant Stream
Keep me in your heart for while
These wheels keep turning but they're running out of steam
Keep me in your heart for while
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for while
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for while
Keep me in your heart for while
Labels: 365 to 40, death, life, warren zevon
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