If I Have to Go

"If I have to Go" is a song I've recently discovered, sung by Tom Waits, composed by Kathleen Brennan. (Thanks Prof, for sharing!!) Every now and then a song really speaks out. Not sure what the message I hear in this song is, and I'm sure everyone else hears or feels something different. But what I'm impressed by is this: Some music is wild and crazy, loud and rocking. But some of the best music is simple songs, with long, pure, clear notes. Like Chris Botti's Love Gets Old (listen here ). His jazz trumpet doesn't play a complex set of notes, just long, simple notes of pure pleasure. Tom Waits' song does this for me as well. It's tinked out with simple chords and an easy tune. (listen here )

and if I have to go
will you remember me?
or will you find someone else
while I'm away?

there's nothing for me
in this world full of strangers
its all someone else's idea
I dont belong here
and you can't go with me
you'll only slow me down

until I send for you
dont wear your hair that way
if you cannot be true
I'll understand

tell all the others
you hold in your arms
I said I'd come back for you

I'll leave my jacket
to keep you warm
that's all that I can do

and if I have to go
will you remember me?
will you find someone else
while I'm away?