The Band Perry, ‘If I Die Young’ – Lyrics Uncovered

So what's the story behind the lyrics of The Band Perry's 'If I Die Young,' which recently became the country trio's first-ever No. 1 Country single?

At first glance, it's a set of instructions for friends and family to follow in case of singer Kimberly Perry's untimely passing. However, dig a little deeper and you'll find it's actually helpful advice for all of us to follow while we're still alive.

'If I Die Young' was written by the 26-year old Perry, along with her two younger bandmates Reid and Neil, who, by the way, happen to be her brothers. The track appears on their 2010 self-titled debut album.

The song starts with the chorus, which requests a rather elegant riverfront funeral: "If I die young / Bury me in satin / Lay me down on a bed of roses / Sink me in the river at dawn / Send me away with the words of a love song."

Throughout the song, Perry expresses thankfulness for her life and assures us she has no regrets, despite the "sharp knife of a short life." But the real message becomes clear when she laments the fact that her life-long message of love and understanding will be heard much more clearly now that she's gone:

A penny for my thoughts, oh no I’ll sell them for a dollar / They're worth so much more after I’m a goner / And maybe then you’ll hear the words I been singing / Funny when you're dead how people start listening."

In other words, don't wait for someone to be gone to tell them that you love them, don't take life for granted, and look for every chance to connect to the loved ones around you. That's a pretty hard message to argue with, right?

Watch the Band Perry 'If I Die Young' Video