Not just a song

Music has always moved me.  Whether it be slow or fast..metal or country.. it's the lyrics of the music that touch me the most.

Before my brother Duncan died, he put together a compilation of songs that he wanted played at his funeral.  Each song meant something to him, or meant something from him to another person.  Everyone in my family has a copy of this CD..and probably now on the ipod; and like me I can safely say that we generally listen to this compilation alone as the songs are very dear to us.

My brother and I circa 1980ish

I remember taking a road trip with some co-workers when Dixie Chicks "Landslide" came on the radio.  This was one of the songs, and although I managed not to cry; I couldn't speak while it played.

Another one of the songs he chose hits me so deep to the core, that I often have to turn if off when I'm driving.. and that is "One Last Breath" by Creed.  The lyrics go like this:

Please come now I think I'm falling
I'm holding on to all I think is safe
It seems I found the road to nowhere
And I'm trying to escape
I yelled back when I heard thunder
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say

Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking
Maybe six feet
Ain't so far down

I'm looking down now that it's over
Reflecting on all of my mistakes
I thought I found the road to somewhere
Somewhere in his Grace
I cried out "heaven save me"
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say

Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking
Maybe six feet
Ain't so far down

Sad eyes follow me
But I still believe there's something left for me
So please come stay with me
'Cause I believe there's something left for you and me
For you and me

Please come now I think I'm falling
I'm holding on to all I think is safe

Just typing this makes me emotional.  I know; despite being heroic and strong that he was afraid to die.  I know that he had so much unfinished business, and I know that he was angry.  Yet he was so strong for everyone, that was his nature.  "Ah..not a big deal".. "Don't treat me different".. etc etc.  I miss him so much, and this song makes me wish I could have saved him.  I know that he'll be waiting for me when I cross the bridge, and I know that he's here with me everyday.

One of my favorite pictures of Dunc and my son Ben

I wanted to share these lyrics with you simply because I find them so touching, and yet so telling all at the same time.  Someday I will write a complete post about my brother; he was one of the most important people in my life... but today I'm not ready.

Cool Calm and Collected..that was him