Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a grandson addressing his grandfather, Alan Elvin, likely during a period of serious illness or before a significant departure. The narrator expresses deep gratitude for his grandfather's unwavering support, recalling specific memories like Christmas gift lists and piggyback rides. He acknowledges his grandfather's resilience, noting his strength even after a stroke and blood clot, and wishes he could somehow alleviate his suffering. The core of the song lies in the narrator's plea for his grandfather to know that his legacy will endure through him, emphasizing a profound connection that transcends physical presence. This is encapsulated in the repeated promise, "You will live through me & never will you leave." The central tension arises from the impending separation, contrasted with the enduring bond the narrator feels. He grapples with his grandfather's declining health, wishing he could offer his own heart to ease the pain. This internal struggle is amplified by the narrator's own past troubles, for which he apologizes, highlighting his grandfather's continued support even during those difficult times. The lyrics suggest a deep respect for his grandfather's character, calling him "more of a man than anyone I've met." A powerful craft element is the use of recurring imagery that grounds the emotional weight. From the "pat to the back" and "clap every time that I spat you a rap" to the shared moments on the roof "counting the clouds," these specific details make the grandfather's influence tangible. The contrast between the grandfather's physical struggles (a "blood clot cut from your throat," "suffered a stroke," "one of your arms work") and his persistent encouragement of others ("encouraging those who you love when they're stuck on a slope") underscores his remarkable spirit. The narrator's promise to support his family, "I'll be giving them an army," directly mirrors the protective role his grandfather played. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw honesty and the intimate portrayal of a cherished relationship. The narrator doesn't shy away from expressing his pain and fear, but he channels it into a powerful declaration of love and commitment. The repeated chorus acts as a mantra, a way for the narrator to process his grief and ensure his grandfather feels his enduring presence. The final lines, "I just hope that one day I can make you proud," and the simple, heartfelt "I love you Grandad," solidify the song's emotional impact, making it a touching tribute to a foundational figure.

Complete & Cat Elvin - Rap

Before You Go

2 Plays

Duration: 4:57

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[Into: Complete + (Cat Elvin)] Before you go (Before you go) Before you (I need you to know) I need you to know, so Before you go (Before you go) Before you (I need you to know) I need you to know, so [Verse 1: Complete] I hate that I'm gonna have to adapt You were the closest thing I ever really had to a Dad You'd show me support with a pat to the back In fact, you would clap every time that I spat you a rap Sat on your lap, you showed me the cheer or Christmas Each year you'd sit with me, hearing a gift list Then kiss me on a cheek with a beard that itches Cause I always left Santa some beer & biscuits When tears persistеd, you'd wipe 'em away If I was bored or lonеly you would be delighted to play From the piggy back rides to the slides that you made I was excited every time I was invited to stay The advice that you gave, you've spoken a tonne And I will cherish every bit until I'm over & done Alan Elvin, I know that there can only be one But you're my Grandad, the man that I hope to become I'm saying [Chorus: Complete + (Cat Elvin)] (Before you go) I need you to know that you're still gonna breathe forever (I need you to know) You will live through me & never will you leave Wherever we end up we will be together, I'm saying (Before you go) I need you to know that you're still gonna breathe forever (I need you to know) You will live through me & never will you leave Wherever we end up we will be together, I'm saying [Verse 2: Complete] The funniest bloke I know, always up for a joke Even after having a blood clot cut from your throat You're tougher than most cause even though you suffered a stroke You've stuck on your road to recovery with courage & hope Encouraging those who you love when they're stuck on a slope To rise up & stay strong, you've helped others cope Only one of your arms work but you chuck us a rope So every time you hug us it feels like you hug us with both I'm still puffing a smoke, even after what it did to you It's hard to stop but every time I start to cough, I picture you I've seen the aftershock, & now your heart is clogged I wish that I could pass the docs my heart to swap & give to you I miss the view from the Albany house I think about it now and the nostalgia is grouse For hours we'd crouch on the roof and without any doubts I knew I'd be safe with you while I was counting the clouds I'm saying [Chorus: Complete + (Cat Elvin)] (Before you go) I need you to know that you're still gonna breathe forever (I need you to know) You will live through me & never will you leave Wherever we end up we will be together, I'm saying (Before you go) I need you to know that you're still gonna breathe forever (I need you to know) You will live through me & never will you leave Wherever we end up we will be together, I'm saying [Verse 3: Complete] I'm so sorry for the worry that I brought to the fam Caught in a jam, nothing went according to plan But even through all the trauma, you supported your Grandson & Mum Even when I thought I was damned You're more of a man than anyone I've met in this Earth The lessons I've learnt from you, I can't express in a verse I remember all the times that you would trek it to Perth to play Soccer Even when the refs were the worst The stress of this hurts, so I'm thinking of it calmly But I promise that I'll there for Jacinta & Ashanti For my Aunties, for my uncle, I'll be giving them an army & whenever Nanny needs me I'll be with her in a heartbeat I'll hug my mum and let her know that I love her And that you'll always be close to me because you're floating about her You're my Grandad, my father figure, close as a brother So no matter where we go we'll still both have each other I'm saying [Chorus: Complete + (Cat Elvin)] (Before you go) I need you to know that you're still gonna breathe forever (I need you to know) You will live through me & never will you leave Wherever we end up we will be together, I'm saying (Before you go) I need you to know that you're still gonna breathe forever (I need you to know) You will live through me & never will you leave Wherever we end up we will be together, I'm saying [Outro: Complete + (Cat Elvin)] I just hope that one day I can make you proud & for the fans' sake I'll stay strong as our secret handshake & I hope I don't let you down (I just hope that one day I can make you proud & for the fans' sake I'll stay strong as our secret handshake & I hope I don't let you down) I love you Grandad

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Writers: Complete

Before You Go

Before You Go

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