There are those I used to know
In times that weren’t so long ago
Who lately have just up and disappeared
There are other ones who tell me now
I’ll meet them all again somehow
Somewhere where life is better than down here
To those whose hopes spring on eternal
For a wonderland external
To this place we call the here and now
I don’t wanna cast unrighteous indignation
On anybody’s consolation
But lately I’ve had more than just my doubts
I’ve said goodbye to the bye-and-bye
Farewell to the ever-never land
That fills the gilded sky
I’ve given up my chance to take a dance
With the angels as they fly
I’ve said goodbye to the bye-and-bye
I do not mean to seem coldhearted
Towards the ones who have departed
Neither to the ones who’ve yet to leave
But I find no help in seizing
Onto hope that’s trumped by reason
And that only blinds me to my grief
But that doesn’t mean that I’ll be spending
Life in sadness that’s unending
For I know the truth can set me free
And as I see it, all that passes
Lives on in the wind and grasses
All that’s ever been will ever be
I’ve said goodbye to the bye-and-bye
Farewell to the ever-never land
That fills the gilded sky
It’s as easy as a needle passing through a camel’s eye
I’ve said goodbye to the bye-and-bye
I’ve said goodbye to the bye-and-bye
Farewell to the ever-never land
That fills the gilded sky
I’ve given up my chance to take a dance
With angels as they fly
I’ve said goodbye to the bye-and-bye