Craig Morgan, ‘When I’m Gone’ [Listen]

Craig Morgan’s end of life song is a country locomotive. “When I’m Gone” clips along with the weight of a thousand lifetimes behind him. It’s a powerful statement that isn’t capable of passing softly.

The production is as impressive as Morgan’s vocals. Songs from his last album were vocal showcases, while this Byron Gallimore-produced single matches his intensity. A late-to-the-party female voice really adds pop to the final chorus. “When I’m Gone” is amongst Morgan’s most complete singles.

“When I’m gone / Tell them I laughed more than I shed tears / When I’m gone / Tell them I stared down all my fears / That I danced on the wire / I walked through the fire / That I lived every moment ’till that moment retired / So my life goes on, goes on / When I’m gone,” he sings during the chorus.

The song slows for an instant, before he clickety-clacks through the second verse. “Tell them I left that town / But it never left my soul / That I settled down / But I never got old / That the house was packed / And all raised a glass as the credits roll,” he sings. Justin Ebach and Steven Dale Jones penned the song.

Look for “When I’m Gone” on Morgan’s next album. It will be his first full studio album since This Ole Boy in 2012.

Why Fans Will Love It: Morgan's end of life song is upbeat and positive. Few will shed a tear during this feel-good rocker.

Key Lyrics: “When I’m gone / Tell them I laughed more than I shed tears / When I’m gone / Tell them I stared down all my fears."

Did You Know?: Co-writer Steven Dale Jones also penned Reba McEntire's 2004 hit "He Gets That From Me."