words and music by Arlo Guthrie



In the event of my demise

Be sure to include this statement

When you are bent on closing my eyes

Thinking about what my life meant



Alone on a hill back in '65

Things looked a lot like changing

Singing our songs that we harmonized

Dreaming of worlds rearranging



And I don't know why I'm singing tonight

Maybe it's time someone told you

Just because you say you've seen the light

Doesn't mean nobody sold you



I can remember all of your smiles

During the demonstrations

Taking on what seemed like the whole world

Igniting the hearts of our nations



And together we sang our victory songs

Though we were worlds apart

Every thing then has now passed away

Except for the love in my heart



Sitting at home on computerized beds

Tryine to come to conclusions

Seeing reflections from rose-colored heads

Ignoring the states of illusion



Drunk in a world of material wealth

No one can notice you falling

Fantastic flights once good tor your health

Now make you deaf to your calling



And all alone the prophet groans

With words as yet unseen

Who'll be awake when the master returns

Who will be lost in their dreams



So in the event of my demise

8e sure to include this statement

Only the words of love kept alive

Are worthy of not being wasted