I remember the sun beating down
Across my back
The taste of olives and pleasures that
You taught me
And we broke bread and then we drank
Cheap white wine
Memories of happiness frozen for all time

I hear you crying in my heart
Absent friends shall live by love
Remember places of my past
Absent friends shall live by love
And the dead shall live again
Absent friends shall live by
Love...love...love...love

And i remember laughing so much we cried
You knew my every thought, there was
Nothing i could hide
We celebrated moons we marvelled at
The night sky
With flute and drum and pen we were
Grateful for our lives

I hear you crying in my heart
Absent friends shall live by love
Remember places of my past
Absent friends shall live by love
And the dead shall live again
Absent friends shall live by
Love...love...love...love

I hear you crying in my heart
Absent friends shall live by love
Remember places of my past
Absent friends shall live by love
And the dead shall live again
Absent friends shall live by
Love...love...love...love


Lyrics submitted by fractured_sanity

Absent Friends song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    The most moving song the Joke have recorded, this absolute gem tucked away on the neglected 'Democracy' album is a truly beautiful tribute to the departed.

    Proving that Jaz is much more than an intelligent ranter, 'Absent Friends' is pure poetry, revealing a love of life and friendship that most songwriters would struggle to even approach.

    I'm entirely at a loss as to why this band remain in the realm of cult status while the likes of Oasis come out with complete bollocks like 'Wonderwall' and get eternal praise for it.

    'I hear you crying in my heart' is a line everyone who has lost someone can identify with, and yes, the final line is indeed the word 'love' repeated. Listen and marvel.

    KillingJokeron December 22, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    KillingJoker, I agree, it's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. But also, for me, when I listen to it, it's kind of... scary. It is really strange when you realize what Jaz felt writing these lyrics. It's like finding happiness after friend's death. It's not another weepy-song, it's rather a display of power, a strenght you find in yourself after a tragedy. When you think of songs written about the departed you rather see some dark, pessimistic visions. But here is the total opposite. It's strange and it's scary for I cannot imagine how one can move his state of mind that far. When you listen to it, especially the ending guitar, you can hear some sense of victory, a victory of love over death.

    Sapromindon August 08, 2007   Link

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