Glen Campbell shared heartbreaking news with the world in 2013; he had been diagnosed with Alzheimers. In January of the same year, he recorded his final, chill-inducing song, “I’m Not Gonna Miss You”.
Do not judge the song by the title because it’s not a tune about a break-up gone wrong. The song entails a much deeper, emotionally-charged meaning that just may bring a tear to the eye of all those who take it in.
“I’m Not Gonna Miss You” pertains to Campbell’s fight with the disease and how he may still physically be here, but he’s mentally gone – a heartbreaking fact for anyone who faces Alzheimers. Though he was a singer of many timeless songs, those performances aren’t what defines him, but the love he shared with those around him. Goosebumps will rise when you hear the words “and best of all, I’m not gonna miss you” because that’s Alzheimers in a nutshell. Though he may love his family from the depths of his heart, he won’t know it. He won’t miss them, but they will. As the disease progresses, it won’t hurt him when they cry for him or when he never holds his wife and kids. An incredibly tragic realization.
Because of Campbell’s diagnosis, he was never able to perform his final song live. So his very talented son, Shannon, decided to record himself in the attic of their Nashville home singing “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” in dedication to his legendary father.
Talent definitely runs through the Campbell veins, because Shannon gives an honorable performance for his father, who made not just an impact on his adoring fans, but also at home with the family he loved dearly. Shannon’s performance embodies the emotions that this song pours out. The significance is astounding and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Glen and the rest of the Campbell family.
I’M NOT GONNA MISS YOU LYRICS
I’m still here, but yet I’m gone
I don’t play guitar or sing my songs
They never defined who I am
The man that loves you ’til the end
You’re the last person I will love
You’re the last face I will recall
And best of all, I’m not gonna miss you
Not gonna miss you
I’m never gonna hold you like I did
Or say I love you to the kids
You’re never gonna see it in my eyes
It’s not gonna hurt me when you cry
I’m never gonna know what you go through
All the things I say or do
All the hurt and all the pain
One thing selfishly remains
I’m not gonna miss you
I’m not gonna miss you