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A Good Way to Say Goodbye

from A Good Way to Say Goodbye by Cameron Smith

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about

This first song, “A Good Way to Say Goodbye”, is largely inspired by the down and out people I lived around growing up in Johnson County, and all the hedonism that disguised itself as ambition in life’s search for meaning out there on the FM roads, where since the 80s suburban life has been pressing it’s face against the windows of rural farm houses.

Just like most anywhere, people live and die out there, grapple with meaning and direction, and wonder just what piece it is that feels like it’s been missing this whole time.

I’m 30 years old and already I know so many who couldn’t make it out alive.

This is not a good way to say goodbye but it’s the best I can do for them now.

lyrics

I had my first drink when I was fourteen
We stole a flask from Austin's dad
And sipped til it was empty
I felt fine at the party til I got up from my seat
Yeah, I threw up on the couch while I was still asleep

Cause where I come from there's something everybody needs
It's like a hunger for some comfort, never known and never seen
I've lost all kinds of friends to their fight to be free
Now I honestly can't say why it was them instead of me

But if it's really going down this time
They say your life will flash before your eyes
We've been rehearsing this one all our lives
Never found a good way to say goodbye
Never learned no good way to say goodbye

"I sing this song because I love the man
I know that most of you won't understand"
I couldn't tell you if he was good or bad
But we had each other
And that was most of what we had

Cause where I come from there's something everybody needs
It's like they're hurting from some burden, never known and never seen
I've lost all kinds of friends out hunting down a dream
Now I honestly can't say why it was them instead of me

If it's really going down this time
Try your best to follow the light
We could rehearse this one all our lives
Never learn a good way to say goodbye
Never learned a good way to say goodbye

It was an accident, no one was supposed to get hurt
Not even the devil should have to die at work
We hit that drug store and his fate was sealed
I guess now Tommy knows if heaven is really real

I know some people pray and if you folks are like them
Could you say a humble prayer for my people in my town?
Feels like we're an empty glove pulled off G-d's own hand
All born to be forgotten; no one expects you to understand
That we're just beggars at the gates of a promised land
With nobody to answer "What is the soul of a man?"

I've lost all kinds of friends to their fight to be free
I honestly can't say why it was them instead of me
No, I honestly can't say why it was them instead of me

credits

from A Good Way to Say Goodbye, released March 1, 2019

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Cameron Smith Fort Worth, Texas

Cameron Smith is a folk singer and songwriter from Fort Worth, TX

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