If I Die Young

Album: The Band Perry (2010)
Charted: 14
Play Video
  • If I die young, bury me in satin
    Lay me down on a bed of roses
    Sink me in the river at dawn
    Send me away with the words of a love song
    Oh-oh, oh-oh

    Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
    She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors
    Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
    Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby
    The sharp knife of a short life
    Well, I've had just enough time

    If I die young, bury me in satin
    Lay me down on a bed of roses
    Sink me in the river at dawn
    Send me away with the words of a love song

    The sharp knife of a short life
    Well, I've had just enough time

    And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
    I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger
    I've never known the lovin' of a man
    But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand
    There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever
    Who would have thought forever could be severed by

    The sharp knife of a short life
    Well, I've had just enough time

    So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls
    What I never did is done

    A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
    They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
    And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singin'
    Funny when you're dead, how people start listenin'

    If I die young, bury me in satin
    Lay me down on a bed of roses
    Sink me in the river at dawn
    Send me away with the words of a love song
    Oh-oh (oh-oh)

    The ballad of a dove
    Go with peace and love
    Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
    Save 'em for a time when you're really gonna need 'em, oh

    The sharp knife of a short life
    Well, I've had just enough time
    So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls Writer/s: Kimberly Perry
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 6

  • Justice from Idki love this song
  • Wizardofozone from Zelienople Pa.I play this song over n over with tears in my eyes every time ... one needs to be 73, including Kimberley ... she will see layers upon layers of this beautiful creation as she grows old ... she'll learn its not just a song about the sudden death of a young life ... it's about Seniors as well ... hoping daily they have at least 6 more years ... for to us 'dying young' means not making it to that 'surrender' age and acceptance of making it to 88 .... Yes youngster, leaving the planet to a 70 year old Senior is indeed ... 'Dying Young'
  • Camille from Toronto, OhNot a big fan of this song. Not sure why The Band Perry is so popular. I like some of their other songs better.
  • Dana from Greenwood, ScTerrible song by a crappy band, but everyone will love it because it reminds them of someone who died young. Pure glurge.
  • Lily from Los Angeles, CaThis song is the soundtrack of this past summer, to me! I've listened to it so much, although I prefer the pop version since I'm not much of a country fan...but I have to say, The Band Perry may be opening my eyes to the beauty of SOME country music!! One of my absolute favorite songs...take care xoxo
  • Wayne from Crockett, TxIt's a beautiful song, both tragic and haunting, but melodic and poignant. Great songwriting and harmonizing.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Boy Bands

Boy BandsFact or Fiction

From NKOTB to 1D, how well do you know your boy bands?