My wake, my funeral, my celebration
Death
could be full of surprises.
I'm not Irish; but if you were to do
the full Irish thing - take my corpse out of the coffin,
dance wildly round the room with it one by one -
it'd make my day;
I'd remember it all my, death
and I bet you would too.
Though perhaps the tango would be a bit too far.
The funeral:
the not-too-many invitations should say
'Dress code: happy'. That I'd really like to see.
So I'll be standing at the lych-gate
like a reporter from the local rag
checking you in.
But if you don't attend - that's OK. I wouldn't like to die
a hypocrite; there'll be plenty of folk I shall be meeting
whose funeral I didn't attend, believing as I do
that funerals are for family and just those friends
who wouldn't miss it for the world.
Forget the flowers - I'd rather see flowers live until they die,
like me; not wither like day-brief memories,
as floral tributes flat on the slab like beached dolphins.
Sing the old favourites. And if you don't know the tunes or words,
I'm gently sorry for you - it's good to have them to remember, somewhere back there in the mind.
And if you must have little speeches,
I think I'll just take a stroll round the graveyard during that bit;
praise only makes me regret more what I didn't do.
Then if you're so busy that you leave after the service,
that's OK - but I'd like to think the best were still to come -
the 'do' afterwards - ah, I'll join you for that:
make it a good one; no food is too good
for the living. I'd like to be the one
handing round the plates of goodies;
whose forearm you gently touch in passing
to murmur a brief word about being missed
which may be truly meant
or found to be true.
I'm not really conversant with this recent 'Celebration' thing
though it seems an excellent idea, so positive:
I'd like it, then, to be like that of my beloved friend, John:
where rather than just summon up memories and
share them with each other,
we seemed to be basking in the indescribable privilege
of his friendship
and his love;
which I guess in my case as in his would thus be truly
eternal.
poem by Michael Shepherd
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Writing The Words
I’m writing this at your funeral.
As I watch all the people in tears.
I wish I could join them,
But I know I have to be strong.
I’m writing this on my hand,
No paper to get it down on.
I want to remember your funeral,
So I’m writing this to honour you.
I’m writing the thoughts that pop into my head,
Making sure they are only the best.
I have to remember,
Because I couldn’t live with myself if I ever forgot.
I’m writing this at your funeral,
As people dropp flowers onto your coffin.
I stand up to dropp my own,
Blue, unlike the others, because I know it’s your favourite.
I’m writing this through the ceremony,
Because if I listen to the words I’ll cry.
And I know I can’t, for you,
I have to keep it together.
I’m writing the words I want to say,
To make people remember how much love you gave.
Because I want them to know,
How much of it you gave to me.
So, I’m writing this at your funeral,
To stop myself from shedding a tear.
I’m writing this at your funeral,
So that I never ever forget you.
poem by Rachel Brewer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Get Around
Round round get around
I get around
Yeah
Get around round round I get around
I get around
Get around round round I get around
From town to town
Get around round round I get around
I'm a real cool heel
Get around round round I get around
I make a real good thrill
I'm gettin' bugged driving up and down the same old strip
I gotta finda new place where the kids are hip
My buddies and me are getting real well known
Yeah, the bad guys know us and they leave us alone
I get around
Get around round round I get around
From town to town
Get around round round I get around
I'm a real cool heel
Get around round round I get around
I make a real good thrill
Get around round round I get around
I get around
Round
Get around round round oooo
Wah wa ooo
Wah wa ooo
Wah wa ooo
We always take my car cause it's never been beat
And we've never missed yet with the girls we meet
None of the guys go steady cause it wouldn't be right
To leave their best girl home now on Saturday night
I get around
Get around round round I get around
From town to town
Get around round round I get around
I'm a real cool heel
Get around round round I get around
I make a real good thrill
Get around round round I get around
I get around
Round
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
Round round get around
I get around
Yeah
Get around round round I get around
Get around round round I get around
Wah wa ooo
Get around round round I get around
Oooo ooo ooo
Get around round round I get around
Ahh ooo ooo
Get around round round I get around
Wah wa ooo
Get around round round I get around
Wah wa ooo
song performed by by Beach Boys
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Shadow
When you are gone
it never be the same
when you are gone
everything going wrong
when you are gone
i regret all my mistakes
Because...
I still remember
when you here
everyday is a new day
when you here
everything is going right
when you here
I'm learn from my mistake
words can't describe how special are u
It is honor to be friend with u
Now you leave us forever
Peace in calm with thousands flowers
Bring this friendship together
Still pray for you now and ever
Even everything has left behind
Our memories keep strongly bind
your shadow haunting my mind
because you are friend that hard to find
..................................
Ins pired by my late friend who have good deep sleep underground,
Even in death our memories goes on friend :) :) R.I.P
poem by Unwritten Soul
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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D e a t h
Well we don’t know do we?
You asked me to write something
about it and I said,
I have nothing to say…
maybe that’s a better place to start.
So should we keep a curtained silence
about it? Stuff cottonwool in that wound
that never quite heals, once made?
Or run down the street, knocking bang bang at all the doors,
shouting tell me about death… and
before that stranger knocks at your own door
and the face is strangely familiar, as if
you’ve been expecting someone, but
weren’t sure what they’d look like…
One thing is certain, in its breezy way:
you’ll be the one who knows least about it
when it happens; but hopefully
the one who knows most about it
after it’s happened…
We could be rather Irish about it,
say, it’s a crying pity you’ll be missing
the wake… but look at it this way,
the funeral won’t cost you a penny…
I’m told that the other day,
a friend of a friend said
whoopee I’m going on holiday…
I guess that would have made for
a rather merrier funeral
as we say now, no dear not a funeral,
a celebration of her life…
but there’s still that moment
of awful mediocrity, when
the coffin begins to move, and it’s half,
this is it, and half, we’re doing this
with discreet good taste, so
you don’t have to notice it… ha…
Then, some like to know beforehand what
they hope just might be known,
visit comfy mediums to ask about
those loved ones who’ve just passed over, is it, dear? …
they make it sound like a well-run care home:
it’s really very nice here, you’ll like it…
they sound as if they’re still wearing
the woollie that you knitted, and it’s tea cups chinking
and a chat about old times.
For the truly religious, of course,
it’s glory day, and so it should:
they’ve made the will, cleaned the house,
given away all that they’ve collected over the years,
said goodbyes; mopped all the tears;
the bags are packed and waiting in the hall,
their conscience clear. This is the moment
when what it’s all about, is what it’s all about..
envy them – their soul is clean, shriven was the old word for it,
their lifetime has been but a preparation,
a walk from one pure spring of grace
to a glorious river full of grace..
so here’s a suggestion: in your mind,
bring together all you’ve loved in all your life –
teddy bear, dolls, kittens, puppies, horses,
maybe even parents… best friends, lovers,
strangers who were unexpectedly kind to you,
friends you hope you’ll never lose,
places that you were forever happy in,
times of happiness that you’ll never forget,
and those strange moments when
you knew you knew something just so great,
but didn’t know exactly what it was you knew…
those moments when time stood still, and
didn't seem to matter any more, because
the where and when that you were in, was forever..
then add to this, all you’ve been, should be
grateful for; all the things you would have praised
more loudly; everyone, but everyone, you love; see
the world as full of wonders unexplained;
see glory everywhere, and yourself
the centre of all that…
stay there.. then what is Death – apart
from what will surely be – compared
to all that glory which is your true self…
go on, admit it… me, I see it shine in you…
what shines in your eternally young eyes
is something that can never die…
Maybe we’ll talk of this some more,
now that we’ve tried to talk about it…
you asked me; this is the best that I can do;
you asked me; this, with all my love, for you..
[A poem written by request]
poem by Michael Shepherd
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Good Bye Forever
We been together for a long time
After you break up with me
You say
Good bye forever
You don't feel it anymore
I didn't want to end
When I can't sleep
You are right there next to me and
Sing a beautiful song that make me go to sleep
I have wonderful time with you
All this great memories I will never forget
The pictures you take of me and you was great and
I look back at the pictures I will cry to tears
I wish you can stay with me
You protected me and let nothing bad happen
You were so caring and such a sweetheart
I will never forget all the dates and anniversary
I willl remember your love you give and your smile
Baby you make me happy and at top of the world
You treat me so well
I can't believe this is all over
You are gone and leaving me
You say
Good bye forever
That I didn't want
Please come back and stay with me
I don't want you to leave
Our heart connect together perfect
We are meant to be together forever and always
Baby I love you
You say
Good bye forever
poem by Christina Phan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I Will Never Forget You
When I went to same school with you, it was fun being in same class with you and becoming friends
Although we barely talk alot, I enjoy seeing you
You are so quiet and shy
I still miss you
I will never forget you
When I left to move back here
When things that bring back memories about you, I feel sad and want to cry
I feel bad for what I did to make us not friend anymore
If I could go there I would fixed it
You make me very happy on the Valentines Day
I got wrong signals that you like me more than a friend
You did it because you want to know how you felt about me
I will never forget you
You are the guy will never meant to hurt me
When I listen to my favorite songs, it bring back memories about you
It's hard to forget you
I can't move on no matter what I tried and accept you like a friend
I can't, and I want you be my boyfriend, but I can't force you to
I will never forget you
I had so many good memories
I will always feel sad when I heard your name or sad song that remind me of you
Although we are in different city
Is just that apart of me is still over there, and
Part of me is just wishing you were here with me
It will never be the same
I will never forget you
You were one of kind
When this feeling happen, I just to hold it in
I want to be by myself and think
There's nothing I can't do
I had to leave it alone and live my life
I want to show you that I can be a better friend
It was is and leave at that
We both are in good place right now
It fun while it last
I will never forgot you
poem by Christina Phan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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You're A Part Of Me
Make me feel the way you used to
when you loved me so.
Take me back to all those times
you hated to see me go.
Those are the memories I live for now.
'Can't get them out of my mind.
The more I try to forget them,
the more they're there I find.
Because you are a part of me,
you're the part that no one else can be.
For they could never make me
feel like this or make me miss
every little thing you are to me.
Let me hear your voice so low
whispering in my ear.
Tell me that your love's still there,
words I still can hear.
I remember every word you said.
I remember each sweet sound.
They never seem to leave me.
They've always stayed around.
Because you are a part of me,
you're the part that no one else can be.
For they could never make me
feel like this or make me miss
every little thing you are to me.
poem by Edwina Reizer
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Living in the Heart's Memory
A gentle touch upon the forearm
with a hand, gloved or warm with life,
outside the church door;
turning away from the open grave;
by that concrete place
where they lay the floral tributes
by the cemetery chapel;
or later, as you hand the food around;
a gentle touch upon the forearm
or a hand sought for to squeeze and hold; or
man to man, they favour a shoulder briefly gripped,
as if that’s the pressure point
where empathetic camaraderie should be applied;
the single sentence of consolation,
sometimes so well rehearsed, it comes out awkwardly –
‘she’ll be much missed…’
‘you have so many memories…’
‘he’ll always be there in our hearts…’
‘if there’s anything…’
they’ve been through this, themselves,
or fear the time they shall –
…‘words must be said,
but yet there are no words for this;
accept then, these few words
in lieu of that deep silence
which is itself in lieu of words…’
* * *
measured, immutable, as precise
as any equation of the calculated world,
the heart’s memories:
every moment that our heart in many years
opened to them, the heart has stored.
We know the mind can span the imagined world –
from travel brochures to the thought of heaven;
yet we forget that greater still, the heart is vast –
there’s all the room for them to live on there,
sustained by every moment of love freely given; for
the whole creation is one single act of love.
[written for a bereavement website]
poem by Michael Shepherd
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Differences between a Good Friend and a Bad Friend
A good friend would wait for you;
So you could both walk to the bus;
A bad friend would just leave impatient;
“I’d rather go hang with Gus.”
A good friend would help with a chore;
Even if it’s taking out the trash;
A bad friend would just smirk;
“If only you gave me cash.”
A good friend would listen;
To whatever you have to say;
A bad friend would cover your mouth;
“Quit blabbering away! ”
A good friend would say “Come on over.”
Whenever you feel like you’re alone;
A bad friend would yell at your face;
“Just go on back home! ”
A good friend would phone;
To ask how you are;
A bad friend wouldn’t care;
“Wanna go to the bar? ”
A good friend will cheer you up;
Whenever you feel sad;
A bad friend would laugh;
“Well, that’s just too bad.”
A good friend would stand up for you;
When blamed for a crime;
A bad friend would walk away;
“Oh look at the time.”
A good friend would come to your funeral;
And leave flowers in your wake;
A bad friend would blow it off;
“It was his mistake! ”
poem by Jessica Lopez
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Mommy Why? Part II
Mommy why?
She screams, and screams,
But no one is around to hear.
Why are people sp close-minded?
I love you, Isn't that all that should matter?
Mommy why did it have to happen?
It's been a year and things have fallen apart.
Mom hasn't been the same since that life altering day.
We really haven't moved on,
I know you wouldn't be happy,
Your things have been in the same place since,
You have touched them.
Even Roo misses you,
She doesn't jump pn anyone anymore,
I think she still expects you to be walking through the door,
Some days I do too.
There is one thing that you would be happy to hear.
I'm in love with that one girl you met,
The week before you were raped away from us.
She was glad to get to met you.
You would have loved her.
I think the only thing that is getting me through is,
Mom and her.
All of your friend miss you.
I ran into Barb,
She wrote a book,
She dedicated it to you,
She had her baby,
She named it after you.
A couple of months after you passed away,
My friends got really concerned,
Because I didn't go out of the house,
So they all got together and decided,
That I needed to get out,
So they took me to Chuck E. Chesse,
They thought that you would want me to go there.
I was good to get out,
It reminded me of our little adventures.
After your memorial service,
When we got home there were,
Hundreds of cards and flowers,
To our surprise your Dad came,
He apologized and told us that he wasn't there for you,
I know you would have been happy.
The two men that killed you are on death row,
I wish, I could kill them myself,
Everytime I think that, I can hear you say,
Two wrongs don't make a right,
Like Grandma use to say.
Mommy,
I miss you so much!
I hope this finds you safe and sound.
I knw you wouldn't want me to be sad,
But the last thought I have before I go to sleep is,
Mommy why?
9-27-06
poem by Brandi Young
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Way Of The World
Words and music by robin zander and rick nielsen
Its the way of the world...
Remember you were in school and I followed you home.
I remember, didnt think I existed but were comin together right now.
Ive been runnin, Ive been hidin, its the way of the world.
You say its over, but the world keeps turnin round.
Remember, I knew Id be good for you.
No one better remember, really meant what I said, wanna be your lover right now.
Ive been runnin, Ive been hidin, its the way of the world.
You say its over, but the world keeps turnin round.
World goes round, life goes on, and on, and on.
You say its over, but the world keeps turnin round.
Its the way of the world.
Remember, you were at work and then friday at five, I remember, felt like a pawn, was I dead or alive?
I remember, thought no one could hear me, I was goin insane.
I remember, it was a real fine line, now youve changed my life around.
Ive been runnin, Ive been hidin, its the way of the world.
You say its over, but the world keeps turnin round.
World goes round, life goes on, and on, and on.
World goes round, (Ive been runnin)
World is round (Ive been hidin)
Life goes on and on and on ((its the way of the world).
(repeat to fade)
song performed by by Cheap Trick
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Hi There, Outside World
Hi there, Outside world,
It's been a while, you see.
I've missed you lots, and tons, and much,
And we all know you've missed me.
Hi there, Outside world,
Come inside and stay a while,
No one will know where you've gone,
In here, from the world, so vile.
Hi there, Outside world,
Aren't you curious where I've been?
Don't you want to know everything,
Like why, and how, and when?
Hi there, Outside world,
It's much better inside of doors,
No noises, or sickness, or hate, or death,
Here there's only peace, no wars.
Hi there, Outside world,
Wouldn't you love to get away?
Just leave them there, Forget they care,
Just come inside and stay.
Hi there, Outside world,
We can be friends, just you and me,
We can sing, and dance, and talk,
And for once, we'll both be free.
Hi there, Outside world,
That world is a scary place,
Wouldn't you rather a nice warm house,
Where evil leaves no trace?
Hi there, Outside world,
Come live with me, my dear,
You'll never go another day,
While cowering in fear.
Hi there, Outside world,
Please don't ask to leave,
I need someone to stay with me,
It's lonely, you'll believe.
Wait, Outside world,
I can convince you, you'll see,
Just stay here for evermore,
Leave those people be.
Outside world, I need your help,
Don't leave me here to die,
It's sad, and I feel alone,
In my spare time, I cry.
What's that you say, Outside world?
Leave my house of sadness?
Go with you to your outside place?
My word, now that's just madness!
Listen here, Outside world,
I'm never welcome back,
I've left there once, and can't return,
Of that, I'm sure as fact.
Silly little Outside world,
You say I'm missed a lot,
How could that be, Outside world,
If I've never been sought.
I see all, Outside world,
And I know they do not want me,
I'd rather stay here, in my mind,
Than live amongst the happy.
I fear I can't, Outside world,
This house is all I need,
I know it's meager, and so dark,
But, I must live my creed.
I swore an oath, Outside world,
That I should live in here for ever,
Never leave, Never be,
With or without endeavor.
I keep my word, Outside world,
This place is where I stay,
I never can go back, you see,
I've gone too far away.
Goodbye, Outside world,
I really enjoyed our chat,
I'm sorry to hear you have to go,
Devastated, at that.
So long, Outside world,
If I never see you again,
Tell the world what happened here,
Don't let it happen to them.
poem by K.N. Sheldon
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Unanswerable Question
A simple gift.
Many things can be meant from it.
Love, friendship, kindness and caring.
All of these can com from such a simple thing.
A rose is such a gift.
But this can be used for many things.
A birthday, an anniversary, a holiday, a funeral...
How can a simple thing be so sad?
This is a question that cannot be answered.
For the ones that can answer are already in our memories,
waiting for the day that we will join them..
We live and learn,
trying to make the best of our lives as possible.
A simple gift to me only means one thing to me,
that the world isnt as great as we thought.
It ends all the same.
It ends with death.
poem by Jeremiah Wimbrough
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Memories
Memories of good times
Memories of bad times
Memories of our love
So many memories
Memories of us crying
Memories of us laughing
Memories of our commitment
So many memories
Memories of us hugging
Memories of us kissing
Memories of those late nights
So many memories
Memories of how we met
Memories of how you left
Memories of what you said
So many memories
Why did you leave me
with so many memories
Did you ever realize
that my memories are yours
Everything we did together
stays within our memories
I remember getting hurt
Do you hurt too
Let's make a new memory
that we can both share
Let's love again
in our memories
poem by Adam McKim
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Til The Season Comes Around Again
til the season comes round again
(john jarvis, randy goodrum)
Come and gather round at the table
In the spirit of family and friends
And well all join hands and remember this moment
til the season comes round again
So let us smile for the picture
And well hold it as long as we can
May it carry us through should we ever get lonely
til the season comes round again
Bridge:
One night, holy and bright
Shining with love from our hearts
By a warm fire lets lift our hands high
And be thankful were here til this time next year
May the new year be blessed with good tidings
til the next time I see you again
If we must say goodbye let the spirit go with you
til the season comes round again
Repeat bridge
May the new year be blessed with good tidings
til the next time I see you again
And well all join hands and remember this moment
And well love and well laugh in the time that we have
til the season comes round again
til the season comes round again
song performed by by Vince Gill
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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What It Takes To Be A Good Friend
A good friend is always kind,
Should always speak their mind,
Their compassion should never end,
That's what it takes to be a good friend.
A good friend is there for you,
They are real, they are true- blue,
Their compassion should never end,
That's what it takes to be a good friend.
A good friend will be there when you marry,
A heart full of memories, they will carry,
Their compassion should never end,
That's what it takes to be a good friend.
They'll be there if your father dies,
They'll weep with you when you cry,
Their compassion should never end,
That's what it takes to be a good friend.
If a good friend you do find,
Make sure they treat you kind,
Understanding they shouldn't lack,
And they would never stab you in the back,
On top of everything always remember,
A best friend is forever.
poem by Brianna Eldridge
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Friendship Day Poem
I cannot make friends all the time!
I can't keep friendship forever;
I cannot have too many foes;
I cannot live in joys or woes!
A good friend is a life-long thing;
A best friend is something so rare;
But friends are not ideal always;
One's kith and kin matters some days!
Relationship is in your hands!
You can turn something sweet or sour;
Getting a friend is just one thing;
Keep the friendship live and sing!
Take just the best out of this life!
Ignore defects and faults of past;
What you give unto others, speaks;
The wise man for true friendship, seeks!
‘Happy Friendship Day! '
Copyright by Dr John Celes 11-08-12
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Don't Forget to Write Your Funeral Plan
Michael Jackson's 'SMILE' played, as the coffin entered everyone stood tall
Mum's poem was read and felt by all
The Mourners were smiling at the photo's of Mum
As the DVD played, no one was glum
Happy pictures were played of Mum's life with a tear
To the tune of the music 'If I Lay Here'
Friends got up for the Eulogy
Wonderful Words spoken of Mum... Now free
Free to move on, to follow a new life
Happy if Dad, finds a new wife
Everyone looked like they were enjoying the moment
In a room full of love; as if Heaven sent
For Mum was so kind and by all adored
Yet sadly the Funeral Conductor looked everso bored
He looked like he had something better to do
This was just a job and he really didn't care just who...
Who had died Or who was grieving
About the life of this person or the world they were leaving
So... Make sure you write.. Your Funeral Plan
It saves pain for the family, A real helping hand
You can choose your Funeral Home, coffin, Cemetery and your music too
It will take away some pain Of losing you
God Only Knows
Sitting around in chats,
With those looking back...
At those 'good ole days',
Are not scenes I welcome.
Since those days I lived,
Back then 'when'...
I remember mostly as unpleasant.
To rate those days,
I would say...
Good to the riddence of them.
Not that I didn't have 'some' good times.
I do remember some of them.
But where would I put them,
On a scale of 'good and plenty'?
Some I 'weeded' through...
With beer or a glass of wine.
At other moments,
I was losing family and friends.
And attending their funerals...
Numbed and in denial.
Crying...
Home alone.
I now have my peace of mind.
And a life I can declared,
Has more happiness...
After spending most of it in despair.
Some may say,
Today I display an air of arrogance.
And that is okay!
Since God only knows,
How grateful I am...
To be breathing any air at all!
And deluded by the bliss.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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One Is Such A Lonely Number
I never knew when you walked in the room.
I sold my soul to a stranger, an angel face yea.
I never had this kind of sight before,
This kind of vision white, hang on tight yea.
I dont know, girl, youve been around.
Dont you go, dont you let me down.
One is such a lonely number, to make the world go round.
Three is just a little too much to touch, now honey, to make the world go round and round and round.
One is such a lonely number.
I think about what this has done to me.
Im going back to the start, back to school days.
I never had this urge inside of me,
To hear the sound of a heart fill the airwaves.
Theres a love line, its tied to the ground.
Leave you here, never let you down.
One is such a lonely number, to make the world go round.
Three is just a little too much to touch, now honey, to make the world go round and round and round.
One is such a lonely number, to mend a broken heart.
Three is just a little too much to touch, hey honey, to make the world go round and round and round and round.
Theres a love line, its tied to the ground. leave you here, never let you down.
One is such a lonely number, to make the world go round.
Three is just a little too much to touch, now honey, to make the world go round and round and round.
One is such a lonely number, to mend a broken heart.
Three is just a little too much to touch, hey honey, to make the world go round and round and round.
One is such a lonely number, to make the world go round...
song performed by by Roxette
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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