If I Die Young
Boogie Boots Lyrics


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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,
Uh oh, Uh oh

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 grey, but sheburies her baby

The sharp knife of a short life
Oh 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
Oh well, I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
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
Oh 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've been singing
Funny, when you're dead how people start listen'n

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,
The sharp knife of a short life oh
Well, I've had just enough time




So put on your best boys
And I'll wear my pearls

Overall Meaning

The song "If I Die Young" by Boogie Boots is a poignant and emotional ballad that explores the theme of premature death. The lyrics speak of the desire to be laid to rest in a peaceful and loving way, while also touching upon the fear of not having lived life to the fullest. The opening lines, "If I die young, bury me in satin, lay me down on a bed of roses, sink me in a river at dawn, send me away with the words of a love song," express the singer's desire to have a beautiful and serene final resting place, surrounded by nature and the soothing sounds of a river.


The lyrics also show the singer's concern for their loved ones, particularly their mother. The line "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," suggests that the singer wants to reassure their mother that they are at peace and will always be with her. The song also deals with the unfulfilled aspects of life, with the singer lamenting that they have "never known the loving of a man," but also acknowledging that the brief time they had was "nice when he was holding my hand."


Overall, "If I Die Young" is a powerful portrayal of the emotions surrounding death and the desire for a peaceful and fulfilling life, even in the face of mortality.


Line by Line Meaning

If I die young, bury me in satin
In the event of my untimely death, I want to be buried in a soft, silky material that brings me peace and comfort


Lay me down on a bed of roses
I would like to rest on a bed of sweet-smelling roses in my final resting place


Sink me in the river at dawn
I would like my body to be submerged in a river as the sun rises, symbolizing a new beginning


Send me away with the words of a love song
I want to be remembered with the sweet and loving words of a song that speaks of my life and my loves


Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
If I am taken from this world, I hope to become a radiant rainbow, which will bring joy to my mother


She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors
The rainbow will serve as a symbol of safety, reminding my mother that I am with God now


Oh, and, life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Life can be unpredictable and often doesn't turn out the way we would like


Ain't even grey, but she buries her baby
Even though life may not be bleak, it is still difficult for a mother to bury her child


The sharp knife of a short life
Life can be short, and its end can come unexpectedly and painfully


Oh well, I've had just enough time
Regardless of whether I've had a long or short life, I believe that I've lived just enough to leave this world content


And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
When I enter God's kingdom, I will be dressed in white, symbolizing purity and innocence


As green as the ring on my little cold finger
I will also be adorned with a green ring, signifying my everlasting hope and love


I've never known the loving of a man
I have never experienced true love from a romantic partner


But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand
I have had brief moments of comfort and affection, which I cherish


There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever
There is a boy who claims to love me unconditionally and eternally


Who would have thought forever could be severed by
Sadly, forever can be cut short and ended by unexpected, tragic events


So put on your best, boys and I'll wear my pearls
As I bid goodbye to this world, I want everyone to dress their finest and to wear my best pearls


What I never did is done
I accept that there are things I have not done in life, but I am at peace with them


A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
My thoughts may have been worth only a penny before, but after I am gone, they will be priceless


They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
Once I am gone, my thoughts and memories will be treasured and revered by those who loved me


And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singing
Perhaps it is only after my death that my words and songs will be fully appreciated and understood


Funny, when you're dead how people start listen'n
It is ironic that only after we die, do people begin to pay attention to our words and deeds


The ballad of a dove
This is the story of a dove, who has passed away, and the legacy that she leaves behind


Go with peace and love
May the dove's spirit rest peacefully and with love as she leaves this world behind


Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Hold onto your tears and your sadness, and keep them close to your heart as you move forward


Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them
Your tears and sadness can provide comfort and healing when the time comes that you truly need them




Contributed by Kaelyn O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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