Sad Songs

Over the past week or two I've started listening to the radio again, mostly 92.5 XRV. I turn it on for background music, if I'm tilted back in the easy chair reading or snoozing.

I've always had a fondness for sad and melancholy songs. I'm a sucker for 'em - the more heart-breaking, the better. I'm not sure what that says about me; I'll leave that for others to decide. So some nights back, when the strains of plaintitive song pulled my attention from my book, I stopped and listened. The song was simple - no fancy solos or instrumentation - sung by Warren Zevon in a somewhat wobbly voice. It's called Keep Me in Your Heart from his last album The Wind. The song - indeed the entire album - was recorded with Zevon knowing he would soon die of cancer. These are the words to this particular song:

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 while

There's a train leaving nightly called when all is said and done
Keep me in your heart for while

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for while

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for while

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 while

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 while

These wheels keep turning but they're running out of steam
Keep me in your heart for while

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for while

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for while

Keep me in your heart for while

I think I heard the saddest song ever.