If I Die Young

According to the If I Die Young Songfacts, the song was penned by the trio at home in East Tennessee. They wanted to write a song about making the most of whatever time we are given.

[Intro] If I die young, bury me in satin Lay me down on a bed of roses Sink me in the river at dawn Send me away with the words of a love song Oh-oh, Oh-ho [Verse 1] Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby The sharp knife of a short life Well, I've had just enough time [Chorus] If I die young, bury me in satin Lay me down on a bed of roses Sink me in the river at dawn Send me away with the words of a love song [Post-Chorus] The sharp knife of a short life Well, I've had just enough time [Verse 2] And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger I've never known the lovin' of man But it sure felt nice when he was holdin' my hand There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever Who would have thought forever could be severed by [Pre-Bridge] The sharp knife of a short life Well, I've had just enough time [Bridge] So put on your best boys, and I'll wear my pearls What I never did is done A penny for my thoughts—oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar They're worth so much more after I'm a goner And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singin' Funny when you're dead, how people start listenin' [Chorus] If I die young, bury me in satin Lay me down on a bed of roses Sink me in the river at dawn Send me away with the words of a love song [Outro] Ooh, ooh, the ballad of a dove Go with peace and love Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket Save 'em for a time when you're really gonna need 'em Oh, the sharp knife of a short life Well, I've had just enough time So put on your best boys, and I'll wear my pearls