Margaret MacDonald: Music

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My son's going off to college this year...I got to thinking about it and wanted to write about how it feels to raise a child and have him leave home. I've been gradually "letting go" for some time, doing my job as a parent should, but I know I'll never let go completely. This song is all about the conflict I feel about his leaving: on one hand, so proud and excited for him, and on the other, sad to see him go.

LETTING GO © MARGARET MACDONALD JUNE 2007
Counting down to zero in my head
Hanging on to you by a thread
You’re ready to fly away
How I’ve been dreading this day

I always knew your time would come around
But saying goodbye to you just brings me down
Your whole life in a suitcase packed
I won’t hold you back

You should know I’m letting go, letting go of your hand
I can see you don’t need me so let go cuz you can

There’s no stopping your train once it leaves the station
A champagne-soaking celebration
I’m trying hard not to cry
But I feel the stinging in my eyes

And when you leave I will not grieve
I’ll find a smile and wear it
You’re everything I hoped you’d be
Go find your trail and blaze it

You should know I’m letting go, letting go of your hand
I can see you don’t need me so let go cuz you can

I know we’ll talk sometimes on the phone
And every now and then you’ll come home
We’ll never cut the ties that bind
But I know you’ve got to leave me behind

You should know I’m letting go, letting go of your hand
I can see you don’t need me so let go cuz you can