If I'm To Die

Keaton Henson's song 'If I'm To Die' is a poignant exploration of mortality, love, and regret. The lyrics are a heartfelt farewell from someone who is acutely aware of their own mortality and is preparing for the possibility of an untimely death. Henson's delicate and emotive voice adds a layer of vulnerability to the song, making the listener feel the weight of his words. The song is a series of hypothetical scenarios where the narrator imagines dying before being able to fully express his love and live his life to the fullest. Each verse is a tender message to loved ones, filled with sorrow and a deep sense of unfinished business.

The song opens with the narrator expressing his intention to love someone until his last breath, even if he dies before reaching them. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is filled with a sense of urgency and longing. The mention of slipping beneath a train or being set upon dried from his room adds a sense of randomness and inevitability to death, highlighting the fragility of life. The narrator's fear that his loved ones will know what to do without him underscores his feelings of inadequacy and the fear of being forgotten.

Throughout the song, Henson addresses various people in his life, including friends, family, and an 'almost ex-wife.' This adds a personal touch to the song, making it feel like a series of intimate letters. The repeated refrain of hoping to see or hold the loved one soon, coupled with the fear of the unknown, creates a hauntingly beautiful contrast. The final verse, where the narrator imagines his final thoughts being of regret, encapsulates the theme of unfulfilled potential and the sorrow of leaving things undone. The song ends on a somber note, with the narrator's fear that there is nothing but sleep after death, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of melancholy.