If You Go Away

I mentioned in a previous BLOG that every now and then I find a song that I add to “Michael’s Down” playlist on my iTunes. When I get depressed or down enough to need a really good cry, I turn up the speakers and play the tunes on my playlist. Usually feel better after a good cry. 


I was driving on the Edens Expressway, on my way to the dentist, when this one came on. Not easy to drive at 55 mph, through tears. I have adapted the lyrics to apply to "Living with Alzheimer's." The changes reflect the nature of the disease which causes the person afflicted to have good days and difficult days as he slowly disappears and the need to make each day count.

IF WHEN YOU GO AWAY (Ne Me Quitte Pas) 
(Jacques Brel / Rod McKuen)
As sung by Shirley Horn


If when you go away on this summer day
Then you might as well take the sun away
All the birds that flew in the summer sky
When our love was new and our hearts were high
When the day was young, and the night was long
And the moon stood still for the nightbird's song
if when you go away, if when you go away, if when you go away


But if when you stay, you're here I'll make you a day
Like no day has been or will be again
We'll sail the sun, we'll ride on the rain
We'll talk to the trees and worship the wind
Then if  when you go, I'll understand
Leave me just enough love to fill up my hand
if When you go away, if when you go away, if when you go away


if When you go away, as I know you will
You must tell the world to stop turning 'til
You return again, if you ever do
For what good is love without loving having you?
Can I tell you now, as you turn to go
I'll be dying slowly 'til the next hello?
if When you go away, if when you go away, if when you go away


But if when you stay you're here I'll make you a night
Like no night has been or will be again
I'll sail on your smile, I'll ride on your touch
I'll talk to your eyes that I love so much
But if when you go, go! I won't cry
Though the good is gone from the word goodbye
if When you go away, if when you go away, if when you go away


if When you go away, as I know you must
There'll be nothing left in the world to trust
Just an empty room, full of empty space
Like the empty look I see on your face
I'd have been the shadow of your shadow
If I thought it might have kept me by your side
if When you go away, if when you go away, if when you go away