26 and Gone

If you're reading this, then I'm gone.
If you're reading this, then I'm gone.
Boy, I've had you on my mind,
And I had to take the time and let you know.
I've always loved you,
despite the things that you did or do.
I've had you in my heart.
I've carried you in my heart.

And every winter,
I remember us on frozen Salem streets.
I still see our shadows in the snow,
Lost and lonely, seventeen.

And I got your letter today,
I got your letter today.
Read to me like a song
Just twenty-six, and gone.
I got your letter today.

And you know it's been so long since
I heard that code 7161C in your front seat,
Cassette tapes from you, to me.
We could drive to Pittsburgh, see a show.
Some local bands you know.
Your cigarette smoke in my lungs,
Drinkin' the things that made life numb.
And said sometimes you'd see us there,
The way we used to be.
Two shadows cast out on the city,
Lost and lonely, you and me.

And I got your letter today,
I got your letter today.
Read to me like a song,
Just twenty-six, and gone.
I got your letter today.

And you asked me to reply,
Just to keep you in my mind.
You wrote of sleepless nights,
Wondering what I'd seen, and what I'd done.
Through all those years,
that flew right by us like the wind.

And I got your letter today,
I got your letter today.
Read to me like a song,
Just twenty-six, and gone.
I got your letter today.