Story Behind The Song
I got to thinking about all the songs that I really liked over the years, and I was astonished at how many of them were by people who died unusually young, like Kate Wolf and Steve Goodman. And, in the case of the folksingers in particular, their deaths
Song Description
This song pays tribute to the many young folk and other singer/songwriters whose lives were cut short by some disaster out of their control, like a deadly disease or accident. The singer acknowledges the contribution they have made to his life and the li
| Song Length |
4:09 |
Genre |
Folk - General |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Moving, Poignant |
Subject |
History, Past, Famous People |
| Similar Artists |
Harry Chapin, James Taylor |
Language |
English |
Lyrics
Voices [Joe Kretschmer, 10/6/03, guitar]
I heard a song the other day, by a fine young man who had passed away,
It brought back memories I can?t forget.
And later on I heard a tune by a lady who died much too soon
I?m grateful their voices are out there yet.
They were gentle; they were smart; I knew most of their songs by heart,
They helped me get through my troubled youth.
Whenever the world lied to me, their music would always set me free.
In their words I could always find the truth.
Sandy Denny wondered where the time went, as she watched the ebbing tide.
And Kate Wolf flew away one day, across the Great Divide.
John Denver, John Hartford, Dave Carter and Townes Van Zandt,
Harry Chapin, Jim Croce?their voices echoed throughout the land.
Richie Valens, Buddy Holly sang that old-time rock ?n roll.
Hank and Patsy gave us country tunes; Jackie Wilson gave us soul.
They had their moments in the sun, but in the end they died much too young,
Taking with them all the songs we?d never hear.
But what they left was a legacy that means so much to you and me,
And that is why we hold their songs so dear.
Stan Rogers found the Northwest Passage with Franklin in his dreams
And Steve Goodman still rides the night on the City of New Orleans.
Now when I sit down to play a song, I think of these folks, come and gone.
Sometimes it brings a teardrop to my eye.
But our lives are so much richer now, and they helped make it that way somehow.
And I know their voices will never die.
I know their voices?will never die.