The Last Thing on My Mind
Unspoken Goodbyes: Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner's Poignant Reflection
Lyrics
It's a lesson too late for the learning
Regret for not learning a lesson until it's too late
Made of sand, made of sand
Comparing the transient nature of life to something fragile like sand
In the wink of an eye my soul is turnin'
Feeling a sudden change in emotions or spirit
In your hand, in your hand
Suggesting vulnerability or dependence on someone else
Are you going away with no word of farewell?
Questioning if the person is leaving without saying goodbye
Will there be not a trace left behind?
Wondering if there will be any sign or memory of their departure
I could've loved you better
Expressing regret for not showing love more effectively
Didn't mean to be unkind
Apologizing for unintentionally being hurtful
You know that was the last thing on my mind
Regretting that not showing love was the last intention
As we walk along, my thoughts are tumblin'
Feeling conflicted or confused while walking together
'Round and 'round, 'round and 'round
Thoughts spinning or in a whirlwind
Underneath our feet a subway's rumblin'
Sensing something unsettling or ominous beneath them
Underground, underground
Suggesting an unseen or hidden danger
Are you going away with no word of farewell?
Repeating the concern about departure without goodbyes
Will there be not a trace left behind?
Questioning if there will be any evidence or remnant of the departure
I could've loved you better
Reiterating the desire to have loved better
Didn't mean to be unkind
Expressing regret for unintended unkindness
You know that was the last thing on my mind
Reaffirming the realization that not expressing love was regretful
I've got reason a plenty for goin'
Having numerous reasons for leaving
This I know, this I know
Confident about the reasons for departure
The weeds have been steadily growin'
Symbolizing problems or issues that have been ignored or neglected
Please don't go, please don't go
Begging for the person not to leave
Are you going away with no word of farewell?
Repeating the worry about a departure without farewell
Will there be not a trace left behind?
Concerned about leaving without any trace or evidence
I could've loved you better
Continued regret for not expressing love adequately
Didn't mean to be unkind
Clarifying the lack of intention to be unkind
You know that was the last thing on my mind
Reiterating the regret for not expressing love
Are you going away with no word of farewell?
Repeating concern about leaving without saying goodbye
Will there be not a trace left behind?
Reiterating concern about leaving without a trace
I could've loved you better
Expressing regret for not loving better
Didn't mean to be unkind
Reaffirming the lack of intention to be unkind
You know that was the last thing on my mind
Reaffirming the regret over not expressing love
You know that was the last thing on my mind
Concluding acknowledgment of regret for not expressing love
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