Story Behind The Song
My father in law was diagnosed with brain tumors and knew he did not have long. All he wanted was to strighten out his affairs. At the same time the Boston Globe ran an article about the terminally ill, the gist being that these people just wanted time with their families and to set things straight.
Song Description
Song about someone who knows they are dying, yet only has simple wishes to fulfill.
| Song Length |
3:21 |
Genre |
Folk - Contemporary, Folk - Alternative |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Moving, Poignant |
Subject |
Spirituality, Hope |
| Similar Artists |
Bob Dylan |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
I saw a man walking down the street
He was heading right for me
He said he was walking his final mile
But then he turned to me and smiled
I ain't crying bout my fate
Cause I got too many things on my plate
Gotta straighten my affairs
So things are fine when I'm over there
And he said with a grin
Call a priest for all my sins
And throw my ashes to the wind
And I'll come back to you again
I saw an old man by the sea
And he was looking right through me
He said I'm on my final leg
And I ain't about to start to beg
I've got a few things left to do
And these things gonna help me make it through
I gotta catch me one more fish
Then I'm gonna fix my favorite dish
I ain't gonna parachute outta no plane
Just want a simple dinner with my folks again
And though I can't fix all of my wrongs
Gonna leave behind unfinished songs
An though I can't never ever make everything right
I'll see you in your dreams at night