Before Me
by Michelle Goodale

My mamma used to tell me things would work out
But nothing ever did
Nothing ever turned out right not since I was born.
Now mamma’s been in her grave a very long time
And it just doesn’t seem right.
If only I could turn back the clock
To those happy days long before
Where nothing seemed to matter
And love was everywhere.
If only it could be like it was back then.
My grandpa used to sit me on his lap.
We’d sit there and read a book.
Everything seemed oh just fine.
But nows the end o f that
With his last gasp of air
If only I could turn back the clock
To those happy days long before
Where nothing seemed to matter
And love was everywhere
If only it could be like it was back then.
I remember Jimmy sitting on the back porch
Just staring at the storm
He used to tell us about life and things
Until the questions wore out
But now Jimmy’s long gone
Since his ship went down at sea
If only I could turn back the clock
To those happy days long before
Where nothing seemed to matter
And love was everywhere
If only it could be like it was back then.
I only wish it could have been like it should have been.
If only I could turn back the clock
To those happy days long before
Where nothing seemed to matter
And love was everywhere
If only it could be like it was back
Before me.
Written 1994

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