Throughout his career he played with many famous legends like Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin and John Denver. Some tracks of note include The Journey (a Top 30 hit in Australia in 1993), Cross The Nullarbor and his cover of Mason Williams's Classical Gas.
I Still Can't Say Goodbye
Tommy Emmanuel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Come on son let's go out and play!"
Sometimes it seems like yesterday.
Then I'd climb up the closet shelf
When I was all by myself
I'd grab his hat and fix the brim,
Pretending I was him.
No matter how hard I try
No matter how many tears I cry
No matter how many years go by
I still can't say goodbye
He always took care of mom and me,
We all cut down a Christmas tree,
He always had some time for me.
Wind blows through the trees,
And the streetlights they still shine bright;
Most things seem the same,
But I miss my dad tonight
I walked by a Salvation Army store
Saw a hat like my daddy wore
I tried it on as I walked in,
I'm still trying to be like him
No matter how hard I try
No matter how many tears I cry
No matter how many years go by
I still can't say goodbye
I still can't say goodbye
In this heartwarming and emotionally charged ballad, Tommy Emmanuel reflects on his father, who was a constant presence in his life. The song begins with Emmanuel reminiscing about his childhood, specifically the times when his father would take him out to play. Emmanuel then recalls how he used to grab his father's hat and pretend he was him when he was alone, revealing his deep love and admiration for his dad. He expresses how even though many years have passed, and he has shed many tears, he still cannot let go of his father's memory.
Emmanuel goes on to talk about the special bond that existed between his father and his family. He mentions how his father always took care of his mom and himself and how they used to cut down a Christmas tree together. He reminisces that his father always had time for him, implying that his father was a great role model and father figure. Emmanuel then speaks about the feeling of nostalgia that overwhelms him when he walks down the street and sees things that remind him of his father, such as the Salvation Army store, where he finds a hat that looks like his dad's. He tries it on as he walks in, still trying to be like his dad. The song concludes with Emmanuel acknowledging that even after all this time, he still cannot bring himself to say goodbye to his dad.
Overall, "I Still Can't Say Goodbye" is a poignant tribute to a loving father and a beautiful representation of the complexity of one's emotional journey when dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was young my dad would say
As a child, my father would invite me to play.
"Come on son let's go out and play!"
My father would verbally instruct me to come play with him.
Sometimes it seems like yesterday.
Although time has passed, my memories of playing with my father remain fresh.
Then I'd climb up the closet shelf
I would climb to the top of the closet, seeking solitude.
When I was all by myself
I preferred being alone in moments of reflection.
I'd grab his hat and fix the brim,
I would reach for my father's hat and adjust it to my liking.
Pretending I was him.
I would immerse myself in playacting to substitute my dad's presence.
No matter how hard I try
Despite my efforts and attempts,
No matter how many tears I cry
Regardless of the number of tears I shed,
No matter how many years go by
With the passage of time,
I still can't say goodbye
I cannot bring myself to bid him farewell entirely.
He always took care of mom and me,
My father was always ensuring the well-being of my mother and me.
We all cut down a Christmas tree,
We had a family tradition of chopping down a Christmas tree together.
He always had some time for me.
My dad dedicated ample time to connect with me.
Wind blows through the trees,
Nature persists, and the trees rustle with the moving wind.
And the streetlights they still shine bright;
The street lamps still brighten up the nightscape.
Most things seem the same,
Nothing seems to have changed too much.
But I miss my dad tonight.
However, I experience yearning and sadness for my father at this time.
I walked by a Salvation Army store
I was passing by a Salvation Army store.
Saw a hat like my daddy wore
I noticed a hat that resembled what my father would wear.
I tried it on as I walked in,
I entered the store and tried the hat on.
I'm still trying to be like him
I aspire to live up to his standards and character traits.
I still can't say goodbye
Even now, I cannot bring myself to bid him farewell entirely.
Contributed by Emily T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nico Meurer
It's so hard to sing when you're on the verge of tearing up.
Hansel Cabral
True
Bryce Saylor
He’s literally the greatest guitar player alive.
Valleyken Valleyken
I would say Mark Knopfler is the greatest. At least for me. But Tommie is a close second, really really great player and such a gentle person too.
SOPRATENOR
This song is a masterpiece, absolutely overwhelming, the music as well as the lyrics.
浅井伸之
Not only the guitar but his vocals are great !
Salim Mazari Boufares
I've never seen a musician relating stories to the songs as the way you do, it leaves me with good and positive emotions, and that add something incredibly beautiful to the songs, it's maybe the best way to educate about music and life.
JERRY PIXAR
What a great musician!!!👍👍🕯️🕯️
Jazzinto Reinthard
this is so emotional... you're the best Tommy!
pavel kratochvíla
The music and lyrics is very good, well done