Recently I had to say farewell to an old and dear friend, and I was informed about his death at the moment I was grieving for another friend who died 6 years ago. After the first moments of shock, there was a song going through my mind. A special song which I haven’t heard in many years. Suddenly that song was back and didn’t leave my thoughts.
There is comfort in that song. And grief. And somehow all the right words to express my thoughts. The song is Afscheid van een vriend / Farewell to a friend by the Belgian group Clouseau. And not just that song, I remembered a very special live version. The group is deeply moved by the lyrics and that emotional state is transferred on the audience. I was there, I felt it. And listening to the song now, I feel it again.
The lyrics are very moving and I tried to translate them to English.
Everything is done for good
When you’re ready
I stood by your side
I loved knowing you
I’m staying here now that you are going
And that’s not far from here
We will meet, I don’t know where
But that’s where we meet
Without you, the clock ticks the same
But times have changed
So I say goodbye, you have to go now
Know that you will always be in my heart
Sleep well, you deserve it
You fought until your last breath
So go, now go my friend
And dream calmly forever
You’ll be OK like you always have been
I know you will your place there
And I repeat what you once said to me
I remain faithful to you in my heart
Without you…
I know I should be thankful
But that’s exactly why it hurts so much
Without you…