By the time I was your age I'd give anything
To fall in love truly was all I could think
That's when I met your mother, the girl of my dreams
The most beautiful woman that I'd ever seen
She said, "Boy, can I tell you a wonderful thing?
I can't help but notice you staring at me
I know I shouldn't say this but I really believe
I can tell by your eyes that you're in love with me"
Now son, I'm only telling you this because life
Can do terrible things
Now most of the time we'd have too much to drink
We'd laugh at the stars and we'd share everything
Too young to notice and too dumb to care
Love was a story that couldn't compare
I said, "Girl, can I tell you a wonderful thing?
I made you a present with paper and string
Open with care now, I'm asking you please
You know that I love you, will you marry me?"
Now son, I'm only telling you this because life
Can do terrible things
You'll learn one day, I hope and I pray that God
Shows you differently
She said, "Boy, can I tell you a terrible thing?
It seems that I'm sick and I've only got weeks
Please don't be sad now, I really believe
You were the greatest thing that ever happened to me"
Slow, so slow
I fell to the ground
On my knees
So don't fall in love, there's just too much to lose
If you're given the choice then I beg you choose
To walk away, walk away
Don't let her get you
I can't bare to see the same thing happen to you
Now son, I'm only telling you this because life
Can do terrible things
About This Song
"Terrible Things" is a devastating ballad that tells the story of a father sharing with his son how he met and lost the love of his life to illness, serving as both a celebration of deep love and a warning about life's fragility. The song explores themes of mortality, the bittersweet nature of love, and how beautiful relationships can end in heartbreak, with the father's narrative revealing that even the most wonderful things in life can become sources of profound pain. Musically, it builds from gentle acoustic beginnings to an emotionally charged climax, with Derek Sanders' vocals conveying raw vulnerability as the story unfolds. The track stands out in Mayday Parade's catalog for its narrative structure and unflinching examination of grief, making it a powerful example of how pop-punk can tackle serious, mature subject matter. Its emotional impact lies in the juxtaposition of romantic joy and devastating loss, creating a haunting meditation on why we risk loving despite knowing we might lose everything.
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