MONDAY MUSICAL MOTIVATION: IF I DIE YOUNG

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"If I Die Young" is the title of a song written by Kimberly Perry and recorded by American country group The Band Perry. It was released as their second single in June 2010, and serves as the lead-off single to the group's self-titled debut album, which was released on October 12, 2010.

"If I Die Young" is a mid-tempo accompanied by acoustic guitar, banjo, accordion, mandolin, and fiddle. The song's female narrator describes being content with the life she has lived, assuring others that if she were to die at her young age, that she would have no regrets. She recognizes that once someone passes away, others seem to pay attention to life more: "And maybe then you’ll hear the words I been singin' / Funny when you're dead how people start listenin'." So, she states that "if she dies young," then her family left behind should "save their tears" for a time when they're really gonna need them." She is not scared of death, because she knows she had a good life.

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother

She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors

Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no

Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom

I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger

I've never known the loving of a man

But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand

There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever

Who would have thought forever could be severed by

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singing
Funny, when you're dead how people start listening

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
So put on your best, boys
And I'll wear my pearls

The Band Perry If I Die Young lyrics found on Direct lyrics