Story Behind The Song
You might think this song is about breaking up or about seeing a loved one go off to a foreign country to serve in the military. Well, think what you may. I wrote this song after my son explained that he wasn't going to stay with me in England but wanted to continue attending school in the U.S. and would stay with his uncle there. Well, at first I was indignant. "YOU WILL STAY HERE, MISTER!" Then I realized that this young man had mustered what must have been incredible strength to say what he knew could break my heart but what he also knew he had to say to be true to himself. So I reluctantly agreed he could go. When he left, I wrote this song and, the next time we saw each other (in the U.S.), I started singing it to him. His eyes teared up: he stopped me and said "Can you send me the recording?" I stopped singing. I sent the recording.
Song Description
Trying to understand and accept a loved one's decision to leave.
Song Length |
3:31 |
Genre |
Pop - General, Folk - Alternative |
Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
Mood |
Poignant, Heartbreaking |
Subject |
Sadness, Long |
Language |
English |
| |
Lyrics
I'll Try to Understand
Verse 1: Far across the waves - far across the miles
I know I will crave just one of your smiles.
I don't want to let you go - that was not the plan
But if you leave, I'll try to understand
Verse 2: Once upon a time, there was only you and me
No one else could find space to come between
Now I can't bear to think of you in some distant land
But if you leave, I'll try to understand
Bridge: Believe me...I know
Believe me...it's hard letting go
Verse 3: Nothing up till now prepared me for this day
And I don't know how I can watch you walk away
But you know your happiness is my one demand
So if you leave, I'll try to understand
I don't want to let you go - I don't think I can
But if you leave, I will try to understand
This track is on 5 Member Playlists