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Cover: When I Have To Leave

When I Have To Leave

Power Ballad / Farewell Without Regret

The Story

One day, every one of us has to go. The question is: what do we want to leave behind – tears, or a smile?

“When I Have To Leave” is a farewell without regret. It looks back on a life lived to the full: the wine and the rain, the storms we conquered, the friendships forged in steel and the laughter that made our lungs burst. And it makes one last wish to everyone who stays behind: don’t drown the world in tears. Raise a glass. Turn around – I’m standing right behind you.

For everyone we have lost, and for everyone we will one day leave behind. Just smile.

Lyrics

The shadows lengthen on the wall,
I hear the distance start to call.
The hourglass is running low,
But there is fear... and there is woe.
I've packed my bags with memories,
Of stormy nights and calmest seas.
Don't look at me with eyes so sad,
Just think of all the time we had.

I drank the wine, I kissed the rain,
I embraced the joy and fought the pain!
My spirit's light, my debt is paid,
I walk into the fading shade...

But when I have to leave...
Don't drown the world in tears!
We conquered every storm,
We outran all our fears!
Raise a glass to yesterday,
To friendships forged in steel,
This life was ours to take,
This love was ours to feel!
So when I have to leave...
Just smile for me.

To all the friends who stood beside,
Through every ebb and rising tide.
We laughed until our lungs would burst,
We quenched the soul's eternal thirst.
I leave you not with heavy chains,
But with the blood inside your veins.
Keep the fire burning bright,
I'll be the star within your night.

No regrets and no retreat,
My heart is full, my life complete!
The road goes on, though I must part,
I leave a kingdom in your heart!

'Cause when I have to leave...
Don't drown the world in tears!
We conquered every storm,
We outran all our fears!
Raise a glass to yesterday,
To friendships forged in steel,
This life was ours to take,
This love was ours to feel!
So when I have to leave...
Just smile for me.

For every hand I ever held... Thank you!
For every lie we ever dispelled... Thank you!
For the love that never dies...
It's time to say... our last goodbyes!
Yeah!

Don't be sad.
If you turn around...
I'm standing right behind you.
Wherever you are...
As long as you think of me...
I am always there.

I am always there!

When I have to leave!
Don't drown the world in tears!
Don't you cry for me!
No, no!
We conquered every storm,
We outran all our fears!
Just turn around and see!
I'm right here!
Raise a glass to yesterday,
To friendships forged in steel!
It was real! I know it was real!
This life was ours to take,
This love was ours to feel!

So when I have to leave...
Just smile

Music & Production: ABard
Artwork: Albert Bardewyck
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