I've been away a year and a day You recognize love after the fact You did what you did and that was that Don't say words that you don't mean When I'm gone, please speak well of me Looking back now, I only wish I had been kinder Did I ever know love? Did I ever know love? And could I have been blinder? Don't say words that you don't mean When I'm gone, please speak well of me Don't hold back all your love For someday, for someday I would say that I'm sorry if it would do any good But to never regret means you have to forget And I don't think that I could Don't say words that you don't mean When I'm gone, when I'm gone When I'm gone, please speak well of me