When I'm Gone
Billy Ray Cyrus Lyrics


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Well, it seems you thought it over
And you feel I'm not the one
And you think you might do better on your own.
You say lover's vows only hold you down
So I guess I'm moving on,
But what'll you think about me when I'm gone?

What will you think about me when I'm gone, said and done,
When old memories fall like footsteps.
Will you think it's me coming home?
Well, I thought your eyes could see compromise,
But that's one thing you've never done.
What'll you think about me when I'm gone?

Will some other's kiss taste sweeter
Or will my pictures haunt your room?
Will it make your nights pass easier
Or will you think you were a fool
When my pillow's bare and you're lying there,
Will a heartache linger on?




What'll you think about me when I'm gone?
What'll you think about me when I'm gone?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Billy Ray Cyrus's "When I'm Gone" narrate a conversation in which the singer and their partner have decided to end their relationship. The partner believes that they will do better on their own and that the lover's vows are holding them down. The singer is left to ponder on what their partner will think about them after they have gone.


The chorus of the song repeats the question "What'll you think about me when I'm gone?" The singer wonders whether their ex-partner will long for them, reminisce on old memories, or forget about them altogether. The singer also questions whether their partner will move on quickly and forget the time they spent together, or if they will be haunted by the past.


Overall, the song's message highlights the pain of separation and the uncertainty that comes with breaking up. The singer is aware that they will fade out of their partner's memories at some point, and they are left with the reality that they may be forgotten or replaced.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, it seems you thought it over
You have made a decision after much consideration


And you feel I'm not the one
You no longer believe that I am the right person for you


And you think you might do better on your own.
You believe that being alone is a better choice for you


You say lover's vows only hold you down
You believe that being bound by promises of love is constricting


So I guess I'm moving on,
I assume that you are leaving me


But what'll you think about me when I'm gone?
What will you think of me once I am no longer around?


Will some other's kiss taste sweeter
Will the touch of another person feel better to you?


Or will my pictures haunt your room?
Will you continue to be reminded of me even when I'm not there?


Will it make your nights pass easier
Will your life be better without me in it?


Or will you think you were a fool
Will you regret letting me go?


When my pillow's bare and you're lying there,
When you are alone in bed without me


Will a heartache linger on?
Will you continue to feel emotional pain because of our separation?


What'll you think about me when I'm gone?
What will you remember about me when I am no longer a part of your life?




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILLY RAY CYRUS, DONALD L. VON TRESS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@lucymoser3417

What a wonderful tribute to Elvis! Not many realize that Billy Ray is a wonderful singer, song writer and actor. Thanks for posting!

@Kennyloggins-

Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan,thank you for your wonderful comments on my post,it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music

@JessicaVannoy-ex81g

Great song love it you are the coolest country singer thank you for all that you do love you Billy

@susanladd9055

I love Billy Cyrus singing this song Because he has such a beautiful voice and is really gifted I wish other people could see that

@Kennyloggins-

Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan,thank you for your wonderful comments on my post,it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music

@70062sandy

i had never heard him singing this song but the words are beautiful and he really sang this song beautiful. thanks for posting this one.

@gretahickman6711

Wow, what a neat song!! He has a great voice, He really does sound like Elvis, in this particular song!

@Ronnagage

love the deep soulful, Elvis sounding voice.

@stuartduffy49

Great song and performance

@elizabethg80s

Don't care what any one says Billy Ray Cyrus has always had one of the best voices in the music world

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