Song Parodies -> "Dead and Gone"

Original Song Title:

"Rocket Man"

^(MP3)

Original Performer:

Elton John

Parody Song Title:

"Dead and Gone"

Parody Written by:

Joseph Rhodes

The Lyrics

The following is largely the result of a loss at about the same time that the movie about Elton John came to theaters (this being written in 2019). Consciously or unconsciously, I borrowed from a poet here and a singer there; CCM artists like Michael W. Smith make it sound as though we'll see our loved ones again someday (as in "Pray for Me," e. g., though his song sounds more relevant to young adults who are leaving to attend different colleges that are far from each other), but some of us need to be allowed to grieve when we're faced with loss. My loss of faith notwithstanding, such figures as Solomon made death sound like the end, at least in places of writings attributed to him and others. I printed out the lyrics and began writing, so I apologize in advance for inconsistencies. Some of you know much more about legal matters pertaining to the end of life, so don't hesitate to share and to correct me where I'm wrong, misguided, etc.

"Dead and Gone"

Their body's being prepped right now;
Visitation will be soon,
And my heart will sink to the center of Earth.

How they'll be missed by friends and family;
A gap that's never filled;
I hope Death is not proud.

And the times we had together now are gone;
Never returning however we long.
I hold back the tears when others are around
When possible; 'cause they're dead and gone...
Dead and gone; memories are a poor substitute.

And the times we had together now are gone;
Never returning however we long,
I hold back tears when others are around
When possible; 'cause they're dead and gone.
Dead and gone; memories are a poor substitute.

The pain of loss takes more than just a toll;
In fact, it burns like Hell,
And I used to think the dead in Christ would rise,

But now it feels that we are on our own,
Even upon the Day of Rest.
The eulogy, the memories.

No, I don't think love will bring us back around;
More likely space, sea, air, or in the ground.
Today I'm here, but someday I'll be gone.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah; I'll be dead and gone,
Dead and gone, hopefully after a life well-lived.

Make your wishes known unto your family,
Like durable power of attorney.
A living will; perhaps a DNR,
And also where documents are kept;
Notarize everything that matters in advance.

For it may not be a very long, long time...
For it may not be a very long, long time...
For it may not be a very long, long time...
For it may not be a very long, long time...

For it may not be a very long, long time...
For it may not be a very long, long time...
For it may not be a very long, long time...
For it may not be a very long, long time...

I'm not an attorney, and it's not that I'm trying to be one, so please speak with one if you have doubts about putting your final affairs in order. Other things to consider include organ donation, perhaps donating your body to science, and likely many other things with which a qualified attorney can help you. To misquote Johnny Cash, "That ain't me, babe."

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Jonathan Spurlock - June 03, 2019 - Report this comment

I've said and done my share of farewells to those who have departed this life, the latest being my dad who passed from this life to the next in January 2018. I'm sure that he is enjoying the presence of other friends, loved ones, his parents, and most of all worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ at every opportunity. The only real authority on life after death, speaking as a Bible-believing Christian, is God Himself. When He says there is a Heaven for those whom He has redeemed, I believe it. Even Jesus Himself knew all about life and death: He experienced both! Please read the Gospels for a reason why we believers have the faith we do. Certainly there is no way to make the pain or hurt go away-it never will on this side of eternity--there is a God-given peace that helps us get through it. I can't begin to imagine the loss you must have endured, perhaps the seed for this song, but I can grieve with you and tell you there is hope for us who are alive and remaining. BTW, 5 X 3's for a not-so-easy OS to parody.

Joseph Rhodes - June 03, 2019 - Report this comment

@Jonathan: Thank you for your feedback. I received Christ as Lord and Savior when I was younger, but as time has gone on, I just don't see any evidence of supernatural activity. That said, if we humans get our act together as a species, perhaps the manifestations of goodness will decide that perhaps there's no need to return to Earth after all.

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