Where've you been?

Ronk246

Doing my pool exercises this afternoon and watching a documentary about country music on PBS, when they brought up a song by Cathy Mattea from many years ago. I remember the story from back then.

The songwriter's grandparents had been married for 60 years, at the end of which they were both hospitalized, she with dementia. I was touched by the story then, but now, with my DW in the early stages, I cried my eyes out. Here's the lyrics:

Claire had all but given up

When she and Edwin fell in love

She touched his face and shook her head

In disbelief she sighed and said

"In many dreams I've held you near

Now at last you're really here"

[Chorus]

Where've you been

I've looked for you forever and a day

Where've you been

I'm just not myself when you're away

[Verse 2]

He asked her for her hand for life

Then she became a salesman's wife

He was home each night by eight

But one stormy evening he was late

Her frightened tears fell to the floor

Until his key turned in the door

[Chorus]

Where've you been

I've looked for you forever and a day

Where've you been

I'm just not myself when you're away

[Bridge]

They'd never spent a night apart

For sixty years she heard him snore

Now they're in a hospital

In separate beds on different floors

[Verse 3]

Claire soon lost her memory, forgot the names of family

She never spoke a word again, and then one day they wheeled him in

He held her hand and stroked her hair

And in a fragile voice she said

[Chorus]

Where've you been

I've looked for you forever and a day

Where've you been

I'm just not myself when you're away

[Tag]

No I'm just not myself when you're away

God Bless us all

Ed1937

Ronk, lyrics somehow seem to take on a new meaning when we've been through the trenches. I don't remember the one from Cathy Mattea. I'll have to get on youtube to refresh me memory. This one gets to me now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmwApZaMNe0

Ed1937

Youtube will jog your memory. Here's the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl5Uog-MDGo

PookieBlue

Ronk,

I remember seeing Kathy Mateo sing this on the Johnny Carson show many, many years ago. It is certainly a tear jerker. Thank you for sharing. I believe I recorded her performance on an old VHS and still have it somewhere.

White Crane

Beautiful, sad, and touching. Thank you for sharing.

Howaboutnow

Ouch