I believe she wrote it in the 1980s or early 1990s—which is to say, when she
was about the age I am now. I now know just what she meant.
Just a line to say I'm livin',
No, I'm not among the dead.
Though I'm gettin' more forgetful,
And more mixed up in the head.
Sometimes I stand at the stairway,
Tryin' hard to recollect
If I'm headin' up for somethin',
Or just came down—I forget.
And before the fridge I linger,
With my poor mind full of doubt.
Did I just put food away, or
Was I here to take some out?
[Chorus]
But my heart remembers clearly,
Even when my thoughts go stray.
You're the friend who walked beside me
Though the years have slipped away.
If my mind plays little tricks now,
One thing's always shining through—
I may lose a thousand memories,
But I'll never lose you.
And at times it's dark and quiet,
Night cap settled on my head.
I don't know if I'm retirin',
Or just climbin' out of bed.
So if it's my turn to write you,
Please don't fuss or feel ignored.
I may think I've sent a letter,
And don't want to be a bore.
Just remember that I love you,
And I wish that you were near.
But it's nearly mail time, darlin',
So I'll say goodbye, my dear.
[Chorus]
Yes, my heart remembers clearly,
Even when my thoughts go stray.
You're the friend who walked beside me
Though the years have slipped away.
If my mind plays little tricks now,
One thing's always shining through—
I may lose a thousand memories,
But I'll never lose you.
Now I'm standin' by the mailbox,
With my face a shade of red;
Meant to mail the note I wrote you—
Opened your letter, instead.
[Chorus]
Still my heart remembers clearly,
Even when my thoughts go stray.
You're the friend who walked beside me
Every step along the way.
If my mind forgets the small things,
Here's the one thing that stays true—
I may lose a thousand moments,
But I'll always keep you.
I'm standin' by the mailbox,
With my face a shade of red;
Meant to mail the note I wrote you—
Opened your letter, instead.
[Chorus]
Still my heart remembers clearly,
Even when my thoughts go stray.
You're the friend who walked beside me
Every step along the way.
If my mind forgets the small things,
Here's the one thing that stays true—
I may lose a thousand moments,
But I'll always keep you.