As I sit here this morning, looking at the yellowing paper in my old spiral notebook, it’s hard to believe it’s been almost 40 years since I wrote these “Forever Gone” lyrics. Yet, there it is in my very own handwritten print and cursive letters: 5/9/74.

No biggie…well, sort of a biggie…but having over 40 years of poems, stories, lyrics, and songs is kinda cool. I can look back every once in a while and see where I’ve been as a writer. When I read something from so long ago, the circumstances (and even many of the surroundings) leap into my brain in living color.

As I mentioned in another article, back then I’d often write something based on an experience, or movie, or something I read. Then I’d leave it somewhat vague so it could be interpreted by readers in their own ways.

Sometimes I’d insert a name I liked…not because it was any real person I knew…but just because I thought it sounded cool, or mysterious, or rhythmic. That’s the case in the following “Forever Gone” lyrics. They sound a bit morbid. Or is it melancholy? Maybe it’s just a report. You decide. As you read the words, you’re the interpreter. You determine what it’s all about. You tell me.

I’m inserting a picture of the actual original lyrics. So you’ll notice the paper isn’t bright white anymore. And you might also notice the words to the song are printed while my signature is cursive. I’m not sure why I did that, but I printed a lot of words back then. Maybe it was so the chords could be written next to the lyrics and not look messy. No matter…here are the words to…

In Faith, Hope, and Love”