“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Some songs don’t just touch your heart; they carve a space in your soul. “When I’m Gone” by Joey+Rory is one of those rare treasures—a poignant ballad that turns heartbreak into hope and loss into a testament of enduring love.
Written by Joey Feek’s close friend Sandy Emory Lawrence, this song takes on an intimate, almost whispered tone as it prepares loved ones for the inevitable goodbye. But instead of focusing on sorrow, it’s filled with a bittersweet kind of comfort—a gentle assurance that life will go on, even when someone you love deeply is no longer there.
The simplicity of the arrangement—a tender acoustic guitar paired with Joey’s angelic, heartfelt vocals—brings the lyrics to life in the most unguarded and emotional way. You can almost feel her voice wrap around you, as though she’s speaking directly to your heart. What makes this song even more powerful is the way it mirrors Joey’s own journey. When she performed it alongside her husband Rory, she infused it with a raw authenticity that couldn’t be replicated, especially given the love and challenges they faced together.
The song gained even more weight after Joey’s passing in 2016. For fans and loved ones alike, it became more than just a piece of music—it became a message, a legacy, a reminder to cherish every moment and find strength in the memories of those we hold dear.
Listening to “When I’m Gone” feels like an emotional embrace. It’s a song that invites tears but leaves you with a sense of peace, as though Joey herself is saying, “It’s okay to let go; I’ll still be with you.” Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or are simply moved by the beauty of love that endures beyond life, this song leaves an indelible mark.
If you haven’t yet heard “When I’m Gone,” prepare to sit with your thoughts for a moment afterward. It’s not just a song; it’s a gentle reminder of how love, even in its absence, can shape and sustain us.
Video
Lyrics
A bright sunrise will contradict the heavy fault that weighs you down
In spite of all the funeral songs the birds will make their joyful sounds
You wonder why the earth still moves, you wonder how you’ll carry on
But you’ll be okay on that first day when I’m gone
Dusk will come with fireflies and whippoorwill and crickets call
And every star will take its place and silvery gown and purple shawl
You’ll lie down in our big bed, dread the dark and dread the dawn
But you’ll be alright on that first night when I’m gone
You will reach for me in vain
You’ll be whispering my name
As if sorrow were your friend
And this world so alien
But life will call with daffodils and morning glorious blue skies
You’ll think of me some memory and softly smile to your surprise
And even though you love me still you will know where you belong
Just give it time we’ll both be fine when I’m gone