After You
Iris DeMent Lyrics


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[Chorus:]
There will be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reasons to face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death can ever erase the story they tell to me

I'll miss you, oh how I'll miss you
I'll dream of you and I'll cry a million tears
But the sorrow will pass and the one thing that will last
Is the love that you've given to me

[Chorus]
There will be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reason and I'll face that empty dawn




'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death could ever erase the story they tell to me

Overall Meaning

In the song "After You're Gone," Iris DeMent explores the idea of losing someone we love and dealing with the aftermath of their passing. The opening lines of the chorus set the tone for the song: "There will be laughter even after you're gone. I'll find reasons to face that empty dawn." Despite the pain of losing someone, DeMent chooses to focus on the positive memories and love that person brought into her life. She sings about how she has "memorized each line in your face" and how even though the person is no longer with her, the story of who they were and what they meant to her will always live on.


Throughout the verses, DeMent highlights different aspects of the person's life and personality, from the way they walked to the sound of their voice. She also acknowledges the pain of their absence, singing "I'll miss you, oh how I'll miss you. I'll dream of you and I'll cry a million tears." But despite this, she remains steadfast in her belief that love endures beyond death, singing "the sorrow will pass and the one thing that will last is the love that you've given to me."


In this way, "After You're Gone" is a bittersweet tribute to the power of love and memory. It reminds listeners that even when we lose someone we care about deeply, their influence and impact on our lives can never truly be erased.


Line by Line Meaning

There will be laughter even after you're gone
Even in your absence, there will be joy and happiness because your positive impact will continue to live on.


I'll find reasons to face that empty dawn
Although the morning will seem lonely and bleak without you, I will discover ways to carry on and start a new day.


'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
I know every detail of your face, including the wrinkles and expressions, and these memories will stay with me forever.


And not even death can ever erase the story they tell to me
Even though you may no longer be with me physically, the impact you've left on my life will never be forgotten, and your story will live on through me.


I'll miss you, oh how I'll miss you
I will experience a deep sense of loss and longing for you, and it will be difficult to move forward without you by my side.


I'll dream of you and I'll cry a million tears
My grief will be intense, and I will constantly dream of you and shed many tears for the loss of your physical presence.


But the sorrow will pass and the one thing that will last
Although the pain will be great, it will eventually fade away, and what will remain is the love you have given me.


Is the love that you've given to me
Your love is the one thing that will endure and bring me comfort, even in your absence.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRIS DEMENT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Sara Remy

There'll be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reasons to face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death can ever erase
The story they tell to me

I'll miss you
Oh, how I'll miss you
I'll dream of you
And I'll cry a million tears
But the sorrow will pass
And the one thing that will last
Is the love that you've given to me

There'll be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reasons and I'll face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death could ever erase
The story they tell to me



Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. This song was played at my mom's funeral. Just hearing it brings me to tears yet somehow uplifts my spirits.



Julie Getschmann

There'll be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reasons to face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death can ever erase
The story they tell to me

I'll miss you
Oh, how I'll miss you
I'll dream of you
And I'll cry a million tears
But the sorrow will pass
And the one thing that will last
Is the love that you've given to me



Read more: Iris Dement - After You're Gone Lyrics | MetroLyrics



MrsGranpaws

After You're Gone
Iris DeMent
There will be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reasons to face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death can ever erase the story they tell to me
I'll miss you, oh how I'll miss you
I'll dream of you and I'll cry a million tears
But the sorrow will pass and the one thing that will last
Is the love that you've given to me
There will be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reason and I'll face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death could ever erase the story they tell to me

Songwriters: Iris Dement



margie dickinson

There'll be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reasons to face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death can ever erase
The story they tell to me

I'll miss you
Oh, how I'll miss you
I'll dream of you
And I'll cry a million tears
But the sorrow will pass
And the one thing that will last
Is the love that you've given to me

There'll be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reasons and I'll face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death could ever erase
The story they tell to me



Angela Erwin

There will be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reasons to face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death can ever erase the story they tell to me

I'll miss you, oh how I'll miss you
I'll dream of you and I'll cry a million tears
But the sorrow will pass and the one thing that will last
Is the love that you've given to me

There will be laughter even after you're gone
I'll find reason and I'll face that empty dawn
'Cause I've memorized each line in your face
And not even death could ever erase the story they tell to me



All comments from YouTube:

Pamela Jensen

My sister sent this song to me as I just lost my cat Ashton Monday. It was just me and him for 15 years and one month. He made me laugh everyday, and was such a gift from the Lord above. I will always miss him.

I will I had this song after losing my Mom and brother 111/2 years ago.

Thank you Iris for a beautiful song. That will help me heal during this difficult time. God bless.

KEVIN MUNLEY

So sorry for your loss. Animals become family and they are gone too soon.

Patty Haley

I dedicate this song 🎵 to the beautiful memory of my Beloved Dad who left this world 45 years ago 💔 when I was only 17. I know I've cried over a million tears but the sorrow has never passed. But boy the love ❤ he left me is the only way I face another day. I Love You Daddy and I Miss You ❤😓😞💔

George Melvin

Awww, so sorry about your loss Patty, my deep and sincere condolences, how have you been?

frankfuller1954

I sang this to my old mum at her funeral. Beautiful song and a beautiful singer, well done Iris.

Bettye Craw

I played this song at my father's funeral. He was my soul mate, this song said exactly what I felt and still feel 8 yrs later. Got up this morning with this song on my mind. Thank you You Tube where we can relive memories a bit at a time

Track Rock's Wife

I hear it a lot in my head when I think of my late mother.

Tom Scanlan

Same

Paul Standing

This was my favourite song from the album when it was released, made me cry even thinking of losing my parents and now it does because they are gone.

Inez Looban

I have had some lonely moments thinking of my sweet darling mom who closed her eyes 2009.
This song is very comforting.

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