The Joey and Rory When I’m Gone song was released in 2012 on their “His and Hers” album. The moving 2012 tune “When I’m Gone” was written by Joey Feek‘s friend Sandy Lawrence as she was losing her own mother. The lyrics echo the words she wanted so desperately to hear from her mother before she died. Unfortunately, the song also eventually described Joey Feek’s courageous battle with terminal cancer.
The music video became Joey and Rory’s most popular of their career with over 36 million views as of February of 2025. Watch Joey + Rory‘s emotional take on “When I’m Gone” and see the written lyrics below.
Joey and Rory When I’m Gone Video
Written by Sandy Emory Lawrence, “When I’m Gone” is a song about love, loss, and the pain of saying goodbye. The lyrics are told from the perspective of someone preparing their loved one for a life without them. The song’s emotional weight is carried by Joey Feek’s hauntingly beautiful vocals, which make every word feel deeply personal and intimate. The “When I’m Gone” lyrics are emotional and touching.
Joey and Rory When I’m Gone Lyrics
A bright sunrise will contradict the heavy fault that weighs you down
In spite of all the funeral songs
The birds will make their joyful sounds
You wonder why the earth still moves
You wonder how youll carry on
But you’ll be okay on that first day when I’m gone
Dusk will come with fireflies and whippoorwill and crickets call
And every star will take its place
And silvery gown and purple shawl
You’ll lie down in our big bed
Dread the dark and dread the dawn
But you’ll be alright on that first night when I’m gone
You will reach for me in vain.
You’ll be whispering my name
As if sorrow were your friend
And this world so in the end
But life will call with daffodil
And morning glorious blue skies
You’ll think of me some memory
And softly smile to your surprise
And even though you love me still
You will know where you belong
Just give it time we’ll both be fine
When I’m gone.
Tragic Real-Life Connection
When “When I’m Gone” was first released in 2012, it was simply another touching country song. However, when Joey Feek was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, the song took on a whole new level of meaning. Fans who had followed the duo’s journey began to see the song as a prophetic message from Joey to Rory and their young daughter, Indiana.
Joey’s battle with cancer was well-documented by Rory through his blog, This Life I Live, where he shared their struggles, faith, and the heartbreaking reality of knowing Joey’s time was limited. She passed away on March 4, 2016, at the age of 40.
“When I’m Gone” is not just a song; it is a message of hope and comfort for anyone who has lost a loved one. The song reminds us that even though our loved ones may be gone, their love and spirit remain with us always. It is a song that has touched the lives of many and continues to inspire and uplift listeners all over the world. Joey’s legacy lives on through her music, and “When I’m Gone” remains a timeless tribute to the power of love and the enduring nature of the human spirit.
Be sure to share this with other Joey + Rory fans. Their music together will have a long legacy.
