No Hard Feelings

 

 

 

No Hard Feelings 

Avett Brothers

 

I have listened to this song nearly every day since I heard about my brother's cancer

the words often make me cry

tears of so many reasons-

so truly true of grief and letting go and letting be and being ready.

The song asks, "Will I be ready?"

My brother was due to his circumstance.

He gave his hope and chance for a miracle healing, and when it wasn't to be

he prepared himself and his family

as best as one can.

His last words to me were,

"... be with Gabriel, he needs you, take care of him."

He knew I babysit Gabriel a few days a week and he said,.." you do not need to come home...

you were here when we needed you most, you kept mom safe and I didn't need to worry 

because I knew you were there."

____

 

"When my body won't hold me anymore
And it finally lets me free
Will I be ready?

When my feet won't walk another mile?
And my lips give their last kiss goodbye?
Will my hands be steady when I lay down my fears, my hopes, and my doubts?
The rings on my fingers, and the keys to my house
With no hard feelings?

 

When the sun hangs low in the west
And the line in my chest won't be kept held at bay any longer
When the jealousy fades away
And it's ash and dust for casual lust
And it's just hallelujah

And love in thoughts and love in the words
Love in the songs they sing in the church
And no hard feelings

Lord knows they haven't done much good for anyone
Kept me afraid and cold
With so much to have and hold
Mmm, hmm

 

When my body won't hold me anymore
And it finally lets me free
Where will I go?
Will the trade winds take me south through Georgia grain?
Or tropical rain?
Or snow from the heavens?

Will I join with the ocean blue?
Or run into a savior true?
And shake hands laughing
And walk through the night, straight to the light
Holding the love I've known in my life
And no hard feelings

 

Lord knows they haven't done much good for anyone
Kept me afraid and cold
With so much to have and hold

Under the curving sky
I'm finally learning why
It matters for me and you
To say it and mean it too
For life and its lovely nest
And all of its ugliness
Good as it's been to me

I have no enemies
I have no enemies
I'll have no enemies
I have no enemies

 

Songwriters: Robert William Crawford / Scott Yancey Avett / Timothy Seth Avett

 

Comments

[Penni]

tender hugs as we all remember the good we know in family, our friends, and even strangers- just good people, all around us, leading our way to love even more. sweet memories as we recall our loved ones wherever they are, miles or eternally far from us. and comfort, hope, and praise for the reunion awaiting us when we hold each other again.

[Julie Schmidt]

Oh my gosh! That is such a beautiful, deep, thought-provoking song! I'm praying for you, and your brother and family. You are such a beautiful person to have in my life. And in all our lives!!!

[jackie]

I am sitting on the couch in Massachusetts, USA having a good cry with you. Thank you Corey and Marty for this tender lesson in wisdom, even at this time of profound loss.

[Ann of Avondale]

Saying goodbye to a loved one is the ultimate sadness. It really is life changing when we have to say good-bye. Take care, each day is a new beginning. Blessings.

[Dori]

It is such an honor, and so loving, to simply walk each other home.... xo

[Marilyn King]

Sitting here with tears streaming down my face. For all of us who have lost ones we love, that song just pierces the heart. I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. God bless you and your lovely family and may he hold you ever so tight.

[RebeccaNYC]

So beautiful. And Marty's last conversation with you is to be a treasured memory. Sending you, as always, so much love.

[Marilyn]

Caring words from your brother are such a special way of remembrance. They are gifts.

[Debra Paper]

wow, this is so powerful. Once again, your ability to share your life and thoughts through this blog have made an imprint . . . thank you. So, so sorry for the loss of the brother.

[Donna Boucher]

Oh Lordy, no wonder you cry. God is near the brokenhearted.

[Mardog]

I don’t know anybody who didn’t like him growing up. He was always himself and seemed comfortable with who he was Like an old soul. It’s what drew people to him.

Love+hugs.

[Ali]

So beautiful Corey....
Ali

[Susan]

Beautiful
and sad
Sending love and prayers from Zurich 🙏

[Jeanne]

So touching as are all of your postings.
Such a profound sound deeply touching us all.
You will always have the thousands of memories of your brother to carry in your heart forever.
Love never changes not even in death.
He will hear your every prayer.
God bless you all as you walk tenderly through the days of grief.
Those who live forever in our hearts are never far away.
Thanks for sharing your heart Corey
We all love you so very much and send blessings to your family always
X0X0

[Kathy]

Beautiful, Corey. My heart is with your heart.

[Arnelle]

Dear Friend..I have been listening to this song since Roger’s Father passed last year.
At first it underscored the sadness I felt and then I realized that yes the words were sung in sadness but the question
was about living..and the choice we have in how we live it. The song has become a touch stone..a meditation.

[Paula Tyner]

So very sorry for the loss, his, your family.

[JEANNERENÉE]

Depuis plusieurs jours j'allume des bougies dès que je le peux et mon homme me demande "pourquoi" ?  Dans l'ouest de la France, entre Nantes et La Rochelle, où le verglas a sévit aujourd'hui, je suis rentrée tard en pensant à vous et j'ai pris de vos nouvelles dans le silence de l'hiver. A cet instant No Hard Feelings emplit mon cœur et ma maison et mon mari interpellé par la force du son s'inquiète : Que fais-tu ? Je pleure. Dans l'instant suivant j'ai partagé  avec mes enfants et je vous remercie pour ces pleurs libérateurs. Une année derrière nous... vous étiez proche des vôtres à Willows : je me souviens de cette période lointaine et proche à la fois. Bien  difficile d'oublier ces mois inattendus et bouleversants.                                             
Enfants nous chantions "Ils étaient trois garçons" et c'est ce chant d'enfant que j'associais à votre vécu de ces derniers mois. Ma mère avait quatre frères et l'un d'entre eux est mort brutalement loin de sa maison en 1985. Ce frère avait peu d'écart avec elle et je me souviens de sa douleur. Si je pleure ce soir c'est pour ces mémoires suspendues avec lesquelles ils sont encore en vie. No Hard Feelings me transporte vers eux et peut-être une guérison se profilera en leur absence. Alors merci Corey de partager tant et tant et demain je reviendrai vous lire.  

[Teresa Young]

What a beautiful song...I had never heard it and it really makes you think. Thinking of you...Hugs! Dave & Teresa