Glen Campbell, ‘I’m Not Gonna Miss You’ – ToC Critic’s Pick [Listen]
Glen Campbell has recorded the ultimate swan song in ‘I’m Not Gonna Miss You.’ The ballad from the ‘I’ll Be Me’ soundtrack is one of the most important songs of 2014.
For the unfamiliar, Campbell’s message refers to his battle with Alzheimer’s. “I'm still here, but yet I'm gone / I don't play guitar or sing my songs,” the country Hall of Famer sings on his final single for country radio.
The song is a gift. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to do what the legend has done here with co-writer and producer Julian Raymond. There aren’t many songs about health issues aside from cancer, because it’s a challenge to package a message and a melody that doesn’t come across as over-the-top or even cheesy to those not affected. Campbell’s song is a needed slap to the face, a wakeup call reminding Country America of the millions forgotten in assisted living homes nationwide.
“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,” Campbell says, delivering the lyric with appropriate detachment. One senses his fragile mind isn’t quite capable of comprehending what he’s saying during the recording of this song. If it was, he’d be shattered like the rest of us.
It’s unlikely ‘I’m Not Gonna Miss You’ will be a Top 10 or even Top 20 hit. But it’s a song everyone needs to hear at least once. Do this country legend and his family a favor and make sure those close to you are touched by Campbell’s brilliant encore.
Why Fans Will Love It: It's powerful and raw with an important message.
Key Lyrics: "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"
Did You Know?: 'I'm Not Gonna Miss You' is Campbell's first charting song in over two decades.
Listen to Glen Campbell, ‘I’m Not Gonna Miss You’
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