username July 10th, 2005 09:39AM  
This song could possibly be about a man dying slowly. He says goodbye to his best friend, father and daughter. It was originally called "Le Moribond" ("The Dying Man") in french.

The beach boys recorded it, but never released it because it was too depressing.

anonymous February 10th, 2006 04:06AM  
The Kingston Trio recorded this several years before Terry Jacks, with somewhat different lyrics. In that version, the friend in verse one had cheated with the singer's wife (verse 3). He forgives them, but warns he'll be watching them from beyond.

Because of the release date (1974, IIRC), I don't think the Vietnam thing works (too late).

anonymous August 8th, 2006 05:49AM  
This is a fantastic song, my dad wants it plays at his funeral. I don't know why but I always picture I man in hospital with his family gathered round him, friends and enemys, forgiving everyone for what badness they've done to him, treated badly all his life and now he has the last laugh

CaptainVegetable February 5th, 2009 10:17AM  
According to the wikipedia article on Terry Jacks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Jacks):

"The song was based on an original called 'Le moribond' by Jacques Brel with lyrics and melody modified by Jacks in honour of a friend who had died of leukemia."

sapphire May 15th, 2009 08:36PM  
Heard the song as a teen-- loved it but never interpreted the lyrics. Had a few close friends commit suicide and use the lyrics to say goodbye.... best friend, dad and girlfriend. The more and more I listen, I still love it (the song) but it sadly reminds me of those precious tormented friends....

anonymous January 4th, 2010 10:15PM  
My Dad Told Me What I Think Is The True Version... :

3 People, 2 Guys And A Gal Have Been Together Since Ever. They Complete University. 1 of the guys marries the gal. Lets name them a,b and c. a is the first guy, b the second, and c the gal. B marries C. And Some Time Later, The Town's Economy Goes Very Bad. b Leaves The Town For A Job, Leaving a To Care For His Family (His Wife And Kids). a Has An Affair With c. b Comes Back And Kills a. b Is Sentenced To Death By The Law. This Is A Poem/Message He Sent To His Family... So Sad.....