[EDITOR: Last week’s musical inspirational quote attracted a lot of praise, so here’s a particularly poignant one for two reasons. First, it is a message from the deceased to loved ones. Second, since most of us experiencing loss are well along in life and
frequently contemplate our own mortality, Warren Zevon has much to say to us. He died at 56 of lung cancer. This song, Keep Me in Your Heart, was recorded for his last album, The Wind,” and written when he knew he was dying. Warren Zevon was a great musician and composer who struggled with various addictions all his adult life. His aversion to doctors is what killed him; he hadn’t seen one in twenty years. Below are two YouTubes: in the first he performs the song. The second is a David Letterman interview–they were close friends, and Zevon a frequent guest on Letterman’s shows. ]
KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART
Shadows are falling and I’m running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for awhile
If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for awhile
When you get up in the morning and you see that crazy sun
Keep me in your heart for awhile
There’s a train leaving nightly called when all is said and done
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Sometimes when you’re doing simple things
around the house
Maybe you’ll think of me and smile
You know I’m tied to you like the buttons on
your blouse
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Hold me in your thoughts, take me to your dreams
Touch me as I fall into view
When the winter comes keep the fires lit
And I will be right next to you
Engine driver’s headed north to Pleasant Stream
Keep me in your heart for awhile
These wheels keep turning but they’re running out of steam
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Warren Zevon
