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Lyrics:
V1
Feeling numb, I’m at a loss for words
Searching for an answer to the question of this hurt
The pain inside my heart; The cries within my lungs–
Bounce around my caverned chest with echoes of your love
CH
But this is not the end, it’s not our last goodbye
I’m waiting for the day when we will join our hands and fly
For now I will contend with every tear I cry
By holding to the promises and glimpses of new life
V2
Feeling surreal, I can’t believe you’re gone
It was only yesterday when last I felt your hug
But I believe our love still carries on
It’s in the joy we leave, the songs we sing, and memories
CH
‘Cuz this is not the end, it’s not our last goodbye
I’m waiting for the day when we will join our hands and fly
For now I will contend with every tear I cry
By holding to the promises and glimpses of new life
Yeah, this is not the end
V3
When that moment comes and I take my final breath
That is when this vagrant heart will finally find rest
Know that when I’m gone and body becomes dirt–
All that I’ve been longing for has finally given birth
Instrumental
CH
Oh, this is not the end, it’s not our last goodbye
I’m waiting for the day when we will join our hands and fly
For now I will contend with every tear I cry
By holding to the promises and glimpses of new life
Yeah, this is not the end
End
Know that when I’m gone and body becomes dirt–
All that I’ve been longing for has finally given birth
‘Cuz this is not the end.
Lyrics by Jacob L. Betts (ASCAP IPI #1095371544)
Behind the Song:
Since the inception of our band, my grandparents have been among our most ardent supporters. They have attended nearly every show we've played, with my grandmother often rocking out harder than anyone else in the crowd. Even for our out-of-state arena show opening for Bon Jovi in April 2022, they were there, along with our entire families, singing along to our music. Just eight days after that incredible night, Hailey and I happened to be in my grandparents' neighborhood and decided to pay them an unexpected visit. Little did we know it would be our last visit with my grandmother. We spent over four hours together, reminiscing about the show and eagerly anticipating the arrival of my son, who was due in just over a week. It was a truly memorable visit, one of those rare occasions when time seems to stand still, and worries fade away ("It was only yesterday when last I felt your hug").
The following morning, I received a devastating phone call informing me that my grandmother had suffered an aneurysm and passed away almost instantly. Overwhelmed by grief, I sought solace at one of my favorite cafes, opened my notepad, and began writing this song as a way to process my emotions ("Feeling numb, I'm at a loss for words, searching for an answer to the question of this hurt"). Despite the pain, I hold onto the belief that I will be reunited with my grandmother one day ("This is not the end, it's not our last goodbye, I'm waiting for the day when we will join our hands and fly"). I also believe that the love we share with others continues to live on through the legacy we leave behind—the stories we tell and the memories we cherish ("It's in the joy we leave, the songs we sing, and memories"). Just five days after her passing, my wife and I welcomed our firstborn son into the world, serving as a poignant reminder of why I must carry on ("For now I will contend with every tear I cry by holding onto the promises and glimpses of new life").
During my contemplation of her death, I began pondering my own mortality. The third verse of the song represents a glimpse into the future, imagining myself on my deathbed—a moment when I have finally arrived at the eternal destination I have longed for throughout my life. This concept also connects with the idea of sehnsucht and our song "Can You Hear It?" ("Know that when I'm gone and my body becomes dirt, all that I've been longing for has finally given birth"). "Not The End" serves as a memorial to my beloved grandmother, a contemplation of life and death, and a tribute to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. As a nod to her favorite songs featuring the violin, this track showcases a beautiful string arrangement by our very own Samuel Overman. Ending the EP with a song titled "Not The End" creates an intentional juxtaposition. I hope that this song serves as a reminder that although death is an inevitable part of life, we can find joy in the time we have and hold onto hope for the future.
-- Jacob Betts
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Sleeping At Last Build - Single (independent)
