When you hear that I am dead and gone,
Once it’s official and you’ve dried your eye
I’ve only a few very simple requests
With which I do truly hope you’ll comply
Little things, but the first is important,
So much so that I’ll say it over and over
You can pray or not; it doesn’t matter a bit,
But don’t forget to play Crimson and Clover
I don’t need a fancy, expensive coffin
Keep the money; I don’t need a new suit
Incinerate me and spread my ashes
Where trees and flowers will happily root
It matters very little to me whether or not
People say they’re coming or if they arrive
Please don’t allow anyone into my service
That I didn’t care for when I was alive
Unless I loved them ever so dearly,
Show them the door and tell them “Ciao”
I never wanted them around before;
I’ve certainly got no use for them now
Let everyone be happy and have a party
Pouring me a libation might be nice
If you do, do remember I like good tequila
Or bourbon (no Scotch) and Coke on ice
But sincerely, I don’t require any fuss at all
I don’t give a damn; for me, it’s all over
I really don’t care what you do, except…
Original (long version) Crimson and Clover
I could provide you with a whole playlist
Of songs I adored and loved to share,
But attention spans… most people only
Hear themselves; they don’t really care
Long story short, the bullet points are:
Tequila, bourbon, fire and ashes, no box,
Real friends only; not sure how to enforce
(Maybe a secret handshake or knocks?)
But leave me thirsty, in a wooden crate,
And invite my least favorite people over;
It won’t even matter, as long as you
Don’t forget the most essential thing:
Remember to play Crimson and Clover
© 2021 Kevin Trent Boswell
Below is the video for Crimson and Clover, by Tommy James and the Shondells.
VIDEO:
Kevin Trent Boswell 