Elegy
♪ As I Lay Dying Lyrics
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I looked at your cold white face, so still, so empty
Yet I knew you were at rest
Much more comforted than I
What else could I find to replace who you were
It was the carefree unrestricted love that you never meant to give
You never had the choice
It was part of who you were
It was the comfort of a friend
The lyrics of the song Elegy by As I Lay Dying, talks about the feeling of loss and the search for comfort in those who have passed. The song expresses the grief of not being able to see the person anymore but at the same time finding solace in knowing that the person is at rest. The line "Did you ever see me or could you even see at all" reflects the uncertainty of what the afterlife holds and whether the departed can see or not. This is followed by the singer looking at the "cold white face" of the person who has passed, expressing the stillness and emptiness that accompanies death.
The lyrics then focus on the search for replacement and the realization that nothing can replace the love and innocence that the departed had in them. The line "What else could I find to replace who you were" reflects the fruitless search for a replacement for the specific qualities of the person. The song ends with the singer finding comfort in the memory of the departed's innocence which was "part of who they were" and the feeling of a "friend" that will last.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you ever see me or could you even see at all
Did our paths ever cross, or were you too blinded to notice my presence
I looked at your cold white face, so still, so empty
I saw your lifeless body lying there, devoid of any vitality or expression
Yet I knew you were at rest
I understood that you were finally at peace, free from the troubles of the world
Much more comforted than I
You found solace in death, whereas I am left to grieve in this world
What else could I find to replace who you were
What else could I discover that would take the place of the unique individual you once were
It was the carefree unrestricted love that you never meant to give
You never intended to withhold your affection, it came naturally and unreservedly
You never had the choice
Your love was not a decision, it was an innate characteristic of your being
It was your innocence
Your pure and uncorrupted nature exemplified the essence of love
It was part of who you were
Your love for others was an inseparable component of your identity
It was the comfort of a friend
Your genuine affection was a source of solace and support for those who knew you
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: EVAN WHITE, JASON KREBS, JORDAN MANCINO, TIMOTHY P. LAMBESIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Fisher
I just passed my 90th birthday and I'm sure as hell not going gentle in that good night. When I'm feeling sorry for myself, I recite the first part and I, indeed, rage against the dying of the light. Those words put fire in my belly to face another day with fresh resolve.
kevin morrison
What a wonderful thing to read at 33.
Good for you mate, I hope you're still here when i'm 50.
A
John Fisher Best of luck!
John Fisher
Thanks everyone. It's been a great trip and I'm so glad we all met up along the way!
Shan
Mr. John Fisher, to the front of the classroom you go!
Janis Joplin
Thank you for sharing this. I am 36 and sometimes feel like my best days are behind me.
UltimateKyuubiFox
I love that he almost sings it. Incredible performer.
jlmurrel
Exactly. A trait the Welsh were once well known for.
concars1234
It must be sung to be truly loved
Zon Forest Moua
It really does; in fact, this is on my music playlist, just cause I enjoy his enunciated and theatre voice.