Is forever really attainable
I place my heart on my sleeve
Will you still remember me
Years after my unchosen
Time to leave
Tears may fall
But they will dry
While the clock continues to tick
Could we still connect after
The last goodbye
Feelings may change
As the seconds quickly
Change to days
They say time heals
I hope it’s just a delay.
This holiday was one of the few days of the calendar year when my brothers and I were called out by our birth given names….instead of group moniker of “you shittin’ kids” by our Dad. Of course, it is also the day we catered to him instead of covering him with our youthful insanity.
So, for today’s edition of Covered on Sunday, it’s for the pops.
My Dad died from prostrate cancer almost 14 years ago.
I was there for his final hours and the moment he passed away.
I didn’t take the opportunity to tell him all the things I had to say.
I took his living years for granted and thought he would always be there to guide me into adulthood and through the raising of my own kids one day.
I was well into adulthood, in years lived, when I watched his last breathe exhaaaaaaale…..
And then he was gone.
Yet, I was still a child in life experience. I was selfish and more willing to take from life than to give back to the people who gave it to me.
In the time he has been gone, I have learned how much influence he still has on me and how much I am like him.
His looks.
His mannerisms.
His passion for family.
His life mistakes and his willingness to make up for them.
I just wish I would have told him….
In the living years.
Mike and the Mechanics are responsible for the original version of the song. To see that video press “here“.
My favorite version is by the vocalist Paul Carrack. He was a member of the band who created the song and is it’s main vocalist. He has a long career in the music industry. Not only as a solo artist but also as a member of bands named Ace, Warm Dust, Roxy Music and the legendary Squeeze.
This powerful, stripped down version brings tears to my eyes.
Reggae artist Stevie Face provides the cover version.
His road to stardom has been marred by multiple tragedies including extensive back injuries due to a car accident that took 3 years to recover from and the murder of his industry mentor, Philip Linton.
His version is personal and sound.
Enjoy the years that the ones you love are around for. It’s much better saying the things you have to face to face….instead of to a piece of marble with a name and date on it.
“So don’t yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different date
And if you don’t give up, and don’t give in
You may just be O.K.
Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye”
The Living Years….you have been covered on Sunday.
Good2begone 