The Man in Black

When Dad died, I had just stepped out to Starbucks to check my email . All week long they'd been playing jazz on the sound system, but when I got there, they were playing Johnny Cash...some songs about death and heaven. I thought "hmm, I don't really want to hear this right now..." and went about my business. A little while later my Aunt called to say he was gone. I'd only been away for about 10 minutes. I told the story to a musician/producer friend today. I told him I was a little afraid to try and find out what Cash album was playing. But he said “Oh, but you have to get it! I know what songs those are and they’re beautiful. They’re about not being afraid, and how he was ready to go. Your dad was talking to you through music, because he knew that would reach you best.” Today I went to find the Johnny Cash music on Itunes. The last record he made came out right before he died. My dad liked Johnny, they were the same age, and Johnny died last year. On that last record, there are songs like "Bridge over Troubled Water," "In My Life" (by the Beatles), "Hurt," "Give my love to Rose", "Personal Jesus” and "We'll Meet Again." I also found “Unchained,” “Danny Boy,” “Meet me in Heaven” and “Daddy Sang Bass” (which was the Barbershop song we used to sing in the car on road trips. My dad told me how to find him again, whenever I need him. I am so astonished, and grateful. Here are the lyrics: "Unchained" I have been ungrateful And I have been unwise Restless from the cradle But now I realize It's so hard to see the rainbow Through glasses dark as these Maybe I'll be able From down on my knees Oh I am weak Oh I know I am vain Take this weight from me Let my spirit be unchained Old man swearin' at the sidewalk And I am overcome Seems that we've both forgotten Forgotten to go home Have I seen an angel Or have I seen a ghost Where's that rock of ages When you need it most It's so hard to see the rainbow Through glasses dark as these Maybe I'll be able From down on my knees “Meet me in Heaven” Can't be sure of how's it's going to be When we walk into the light across the bar But I'll know you and you'll know me Out there beyond the stars We've seen the secret things revealed by God And we heard what the angels had to say Should you go first, or if you follow me Will you meet me in Heaven someday Living in a mansion on the streets of gold At the corner of Grace and Rapture Way In sweet ecstasy while the ages roll Will you meet me in Heaven someday