From the recordings Everything I've Got and All The Times We Said Hello
There comes a point in life when life stops giving… and it starts taking. I was lucky enough to make it into my late 20s before I really felt that shift, but once it started, it happened fast. Losing family members, attending funerals, going through scares, and watching how people cope with grief changed my perspective on everything.
I remember being at a funeral where the pastor spoke in a way I’ll never forget. It wasn’t heavy or hopeless. It was uplifting, almost celebratory. Full of joy, gratitude, and love for the life that had been lived. Instead of leaving the room feeling crushed, I left feeling inspired. It completely reshaped how I thought about loss.
Not long after, I realized I had already spent years mentally grieving people I love, my father, my mother, my brother, my wife, imagining the worst, dreading that inevitable day. I had already lived through the fear of it in my head.
And I thought… why put myself through it twice?
Maybe grief doesn’t have to be nothing but darkness. Maybe when the day comes, I won’t be broken, I’ll be at peace. Instead of drowning in sorrow, I’ll smile and remember all the laughter, all the moments, all the love…
All the times we said hello.
That’s what this song is about. And when that day comes, I want to be the warmth in the room, just like that pastor was for all of us.
Lyrics
I remember you sitting by your chair
The game on our team didn't have a prayer
Cheers flowing passion, passion filled the walls
Didn’t know that I, I’d cherish it all
Years would pass and you’d get sick
The fear of loss rushed in quick
I cried it out and cleared my head
When I lose you, I'll do this instead
I won’t cry that day, I won’t wear all black
I’ll smile wide as memories unpack
In the place of anguish taking all control
I'll treasure all the times we said hello
All the times we said hello
All the times we said hello
You shaked off the scare, to live another day
You saw your wish in life, your son to find his way
The moment when it’s time, time to leave my side
I aim to send you off, send you full with pride
Whoah, Oh Oh
You're slowing down iit now shows
Clean bill but the risk still grows
I planned it out and cleared my head
When your time does come, I'll do this instead
I won’t cry that day, I won’t wear all black
I’ll smile wide as memories unpack
In the place of anguish taking all control
I'll treasure all the times we said hello
All the times we said hello
All the times we said hello
They all say that loss can be tough
Dwelling too long's especially rough
Why despair when you're in the sky?
The joy you brought will never die
I won’t cry that day, I won’t wear all black
I’ll smile wide as memories unpack
In the place of anguish when you finally go
I'll treasure all the times we said hello
All the times we said hello
All the times we said hello