Recently found out that easy-listening songs with secular-ish lyrics about grief in the face of tragic loss, and one's own endurance, and finding or renewing hope through symbolic happenstances or those "little things" are a thing. Desperately need more like this.

Try this one on for size. I think it's written from the perspective of a revered elder on their deathbed, by a young person present. I've tried to transcribe the lyrics below, but there are probably errors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RokyGRQP0no

I will try not to breathe I can hold my head still With my hands at my knees These eyes are the eyes of the old Shivering and bold

I will try not to breathe This decision is mine I have lived a full life And these are the eyes That I want you to remember

Oh... I need something to fly Over my grave again I need something to breathe

I will try not to burden you I can hold these inside I will hold my breath Until all these shivers subside Just look in my eyes

I will try not to worry you I have seen things that you will never see Leave it to memory, me I shudder to breathe

I want you to remember Oh... (you will never see)

I need something to fly (something to fly) Over my grave again (I have seen things that you'll never see) I need something to breathe (something to breathe) Baby don't shiver now Why do you shiver now?

I need something to fly (something to fly) Over my grave again (I have seen things that you'll never see) I need something to breathe (something to breathe)

Oh...

I will try not to worry you I have seen things that you will never see Leave it to memory, me Don't dare me to breathe

(repeat/refrain to fade out)

/r/askanatheist Thread