When I'm Gone
Ordinary Time Lyrics
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This is not how it's meant to be
I know now you feel death's sting
The victory goes to the enemy
When I'm gone , oh-oh
When I'm gone raise a glass
Make a toast there right by the casket
I'm Drinkin' good red wine at heaven's table
I am home, oh-oh (4x)
So when I'm gone, shed a tear
But grieve in hope, friend, don't grieve in fear
'Cause what you see now is not the end
When heaven comes to earth the feast begins
Let heaven come, oh-oh
Let the Kingdom come, oh-oh
The lyrics of "When I'm Gone" by Ordinary Time showcases the emotions of an individual who is facing their death and comforting their loved ones to carry on. The first line "When I'm gone, cry for me" requests the listeners to mourn their death at first but then moves on to remind the listener that this is not the end and there is always hope. The mention of feeling the sting of death is the acknowledgement of the pain accompanied with loss, which reminds the listener to grieve but not live in fear.
The second verse portrays a call to celebrate the individual's life after their death, toasting to their life and memories near their casket. The lyrics "I'm Drinkin' good red wine at heaven's table, I am home" in the second half of the verse depicts the belief that death isn't the end, but a celebration of a life passing onto a more peaceful world. The final verse ends with a hope that implies the singer wants to meet their loved ones in heaven and reminds the listeners that the end, as we know it, isn't the final chapter.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm gone, cry for me
Even though I won't be physically with you, it's okay to cry for me.
This is not how it's meant to be
I'm not supposed to be gone, but it's out of our control.
I know now you feel death's sting
I realize that death is never easy and it's painful for those who lose a loved one.
The victory goes to the enemy
Death can feel like a win for the enemy, but it's not the end of the story.
When I'm gone raise a glass
Instead of mourning, celebrate my life with a toast.
Make a toast there right by the casket
Toast to my life and legacy right by where I'm laid to rest.
'Cause I can do now what you're not able
I have moved on to a better place and can do things that you are not capable of doing yet.
I'm Drinkin' good red wine at heaven's table
I'm experiencing the best of the best in heaven and drinking red wine as well.
I am home, oh-oh (4x)
I've arrived in my eternal home, and I'm happy.
So when I'm gone, shed a tear
It's natural and okay to feel sadness and shed a tear when I'm no longer with you.
But grieve in hope, friend, don't grieve in fear
Don't let fear take over your grief, but instead grieve with the hope of reuniting in heaven one day.
'Cause what you see now is not the end
What you see is not the end of the journey, but it's just the beginning of a new chapter.
When heaven comes to earth the feast begins
When heaven and earth come together, it's a celebration, and the feast begins.
Let heaven come, oh-oh
Let's hope and pray for the day when heaven comes to earth.
Let the Kingdom come, oh-oh
And let's also hope and pray for the day when God's kingdom comes in its fullness.
Contributed by Annabelle N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.