Be Brave and Say Goodbye

I often get asked what inspires me to write a certain song. Whether the words are genuinely telling my story, or just works of generic poetry. Although some songs are more genuine than others, they all have some root in my life. I wrote "Be Brave and Say Goodbye" as a result of a relationship I had. It is written in the voice of a lover who knows the relationship is doomed for failure, even though the two lovers care for each other very much. When I shared these lyrics with a friend, he made a very interesting point: that without knowing the back story, one could assume that the song is a eulogy. Looking back at the lyrics again, I realized he was exactly right! The lyrics appear to be sung by someone who knows that they are dying, even though that is not what I intended. Perhaps that is the mark of a good song, however. Instead of providing a back story, sometimes it is better to let the listener use their imagination.
(Written on May 13, 2010)

There's no avoiding the words I'm gonna say.
I'd always hoped to be here forever.
I was hoping perhaps there was a way,
but now I see that I was much too clever.

We dream about the future,
but it's never what we claim.
We know the day is coming,
but we dread it all the same.
So when we go our separate ways,
Don't cry.
Be brave and say goodbye.

But please believe that this won't be the end,
And know that we'll have better things waiting.
Know that someday you will love again.
And your life will go on without me.

If you just do this,
We'll never be apart.
Though you'll never see me,
I'm alive within your heart.
So don't feel all alone
or wonder why.
Be brave and say goodbye.

Please remember me as I am.
Remember the happy times.
I'll remember you as you are,
Your eyes, one with mine.

And heal if you must,
If that will make you well.
And know that I love you
like words can never tell.
But when it's so, then let me go.
Don't cry.
Be brave and say goodbye.

Be brave and say goodbye.