Story Behind The Song
I wrote the song "Tell Them I Have Retired" because even when we retire from a particular job or career, we don't retire from life. My Dad stayed active for almost 16 years after he retired in 1983 from a lifelong career at the Caterpillar Tractor Company. My Dad died of a heart attack and "officially retired" on May 18, 1998. We knew his health was fragile but weren't expecting to lose him so suddenly. I was away and never got the chance to say good-bye to my Dad and this has always troubled me. There's so much I wanted to say to him, and so much I wanted to hear from him. He was dearly loved by our Mother, myself and my family, my brothers and their families, our extended family members, and many, many friends. I offer this song and video as a Tribute to both My Father and his Father (Grandpa Clyde) with the firm belief their memories are destined to live forever in our dreams.
Song Description
The COVID-19 Pandemic has taken countless people away from their loved ones and friends, depriving them of an opportunity to say goodbye or at least bring some closure to their relationships. I wrote the song "Tell Them I Have Retired" because even when we retire from a particular job or career, we don't retire from life. My Dad stayed active for almost 16 years after he retired in 1983 from a lifelong career at the Caterpillar Tractor Company. My Dad died of a heart attack and "officially retired" on May 18, 1998. We knew his health was fragile but weren't expecting to lose him so suddenly. I was away and never got the chance to say good-bye to my Dad and this has always troubled me. There's so much I wanted to say to him, and so much I wanted to hear from him. He was dearly loved by our Mother, myself and my family, my brothers and their families, our extended family members, and many, many friends. I offer this song and video as a Tribute to both My Father and his Father (Grandpa Clyde) with the firm belief their memories are destined to live forever in our dreams.
| Song Length |
2:36 |
Genre |
Country - Americana, Blues - Religious |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Moving, Poignant |
Subject |
Spirituality, Sadness |
| Similar Artists |
Don McLean |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Tell Them I Have Retired
©2021 Douglas E. Adair
There's a train of thought been running through my head
Such a long time now
And there's so much more I could have done instead
But my body wore out...anyhow
And if somebody asks you what happened to me
Please tell them I have retired
If they ask to know why, please simply reply
My big, old heart just got too damn tired
Battling stress, day in and day out,
Struggling to overcome doubt
You can say I left with many regrets
But I felt good about my success
I'm leaving you with one last song
To remember me after I'm gone
We'll say good-bye and we just might cry
It's really not as sad as it seems
You've touched me so and I want you to know
You're always here beside me in my dreams
You're always here beside me
When I need someone to guide me
You're always here beside me in my dreams"