If I Die Young was written by Kimberly Perry and is performed by The Band Perry. It was inspired by the concept of an untimely death and reflects on the value of life and how it should be lived fully, regardless of the amount of time one has. The song deals with themes of legacy and how people are remembered after they pass.
Key: G
Introduction:
G
If I die young
D
Bury me in satin
A
Bm
Lay me down on a bed of roses
G
D
Sink me in the river at dawn
A
Bm
Send me away with the words of a love song
G
D
A
A7
Oh oh, oh oh
G
D
Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
A
Bm
She'll know I'm safe with You when she stands under my colors
G
D
Oh and life ain't always what you think it ought to be
A
Bm
No, ain't even grey but she buries her baby
G
D
A
The sharp knife of a short life
G
D
A
A7
Well, I've had just enough time
G
If I die young
D
Bury me in satin
A
Bm
Lay me down on a bed of roses
G
D
Sink me in the river at dawn
A
Bm
Send me away with the words of a love song
G
D
A
The sharp knife of a short life
G
D
A
A7
Well, I've had just enough time
G
D
And I'll be wearing white when I come into Your kingdom
A
Bm
I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger
G
D
A
I've never known the loving of a man but it sure felt nice when he was
Bm
holding my hand
G
D
There's a boy here in town says he'll love me forever
A
Bm
Who would have thought forever could be severed by
G
D
A
The sharp knife of a short life
G
D
A
Well, I've had just enough time
G
D
A
Bm
G
D
A
A7
G
So put on your best boys
D
And I'll wear my pearls
A
What I never did is done
G
A penny for my thoughts
D
Oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
A
Bm
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
G
D
And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singing
A
Bm
Funny when you're dead how people start listening
G
D
A
A7
G
If I die young
D
Bury me in satin
A
Bm
Lay me down on a bed of roses
G
D
Sink me in the river at dawn
A
Bm
Send me away with the words of a love song
G
D
Oh oh, the ballad of a dove
A
Bm
Go in peace and love
G
Gather up your tears
D
Keep 'em in your pocket
A
Bm
Save 'em for a time when you're really gonna need 'em