The Meaning Behind The Song: If I Should Go Before You by City and Colour
| Title | If I Should Go Before You |
|---|---|
| Artist | City and Colour |
| Album | If I Should Go Before You (2015) |
From City and Colour’s new album of the same name, the song “If I Should Go Before You” explores the complexities of mortality and the lasting impact of love even after death. Written and composed by Dallas Green, this emotionally charged track reflects on the fear of leaving loved ones behind and the hope of a continued connection beyond the boundaries of life.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional journey one might experience when facing death. “If I should go before you, when that long night comes. We’ll meet in the ever after, please don’t follow me into the sun,” Green sings, acknowledging his own mortality while expressing a desire for his loved one to find peace and not get lost in grief.
The chorus adds a touch of melancholy, as Green sings, “And when the night cries itself awake, dying in the light of day. Our endless love will remain until we meet again.” These lines encapsulate the idea that even though physical separation may occur, the love between two individuals can transcend death, providing solace and comfort in the midst of loss.
Personally, this song holds a deep emotional resonance for me. I have experienced the pain of losing someone close to me, and the lyrics of “If I Should Go Before You” tap into those raw feelings of grief and longing. The idea that love can endure even after death is both comforting and bittersweet. It serves as a reminder that the connections we forge in life have the power to transcend physical limitations.
The verses of the song continue to explore the theme of staying connected in the face of mortality. Green sings, “If you should cross the white light and find yourself in the black, I’ll be right there behind you, you will have no need to look back.” These lines evoke a sense of companionship and support, assuring the listener that they will never be alone on their journey.
The song’s bridge repeats the sentiment of eternal love and connection, stating, “Crying ourselves awake, dying in the light of day. Our endless love will remain until we meet again.” These words encapsulate the bittersweet nature of loss, with the imagery of crying oneself awake suggesting that grief can be both a painful reminder and a testament to the depth of love shared.
City and Colour’s “If I Should Go Before You” beautifully captures the universal human experience of confronting mortality and the desire for lasting connection. The lyrics possess a poetic quality that speaks to the struggles and emotions that come with loss, offering solace to those who have experienced the pain of saying goodbye.
As I listen to this song, I am reminded of the beautiful moments shared with those who have passed away. It serves as a gentle reminder to cherish every moment with loved ones and to hold on to the love that transcends time and space. This song is a poignant representation of the power of music to express the depth of our emotions and connect us to our shared experiences of grief, love, and longing.
So let the soothing melodies of “If I Should Go Before You” envelope you as you contemplate the intricacies of life and love. Allow it to serve as a reminder of the enduring nature of the human spirit and the connections that bind us, even in the face of mortality.
