From the recording Finally
This song is autobiographical. My father died when I was 10, and, although my mother did an amazing job as a single mother, I was an only child and very much alone. At 13 I found myself on a ladder in the garage with a chain around my neck. Craig saved me from myself a few years later, and before and after my divorce things looked pretty bleak. This song is meant to inspire those considering suicide to "Cope, Hope, Just Don't." Contact #988 if you or someone you know is considering suicide.
The song opens with almost all of my grandchildren counting in (the youngest wasn’t born when this was recorded). Craig’s echo vocals were a perfect approach to the song.
Lyrics
Finally (Part 1): The Orphan
1-2-3-4-5-6-7
I’ve looked for meaning in the world and in church.
I can’t find the answer, no matter where I search.
No love in the backseat, no comfort in my home.
Just a face in the mirror. God, I’m so alone.
Rope. Cope. Hope. Just don’t.
Rope. Cope. Hope. Just don’t.
Die, die, die. Die, die, die; die, die, die.
I used to think her distant. I used to see him far.
But our mothers and our fathers are really who we are.
When you lose someone, when it’s time to make a life,
Then you empty your soul to all the trouble and the strife.
There’s no way out, there’s no tunnel light.
There’s a black track ahead, I just want to die.
Alone in the rafters. I sing my last song
With a rope with some knots. It should not take long.
Rope. Cope. Hope. Just don’t.
Rope. Cope. Hope. Just don’t.
More often than not, I am lonely.
More orphan than not, I am sad
I am empty
It is bad
Die, die.
As time goes by, our time will come. Finally