Jim Croce – Lover’s Cross ( Live )

About the song

Jim Croce – Lover’s Cross: A Ballad of Love and Loss

In the realm of folk music, few artists have captured the essence of love and loss with the raw honesty and poignant lyricism of Jim Croce. His music, infused with a blend of humor, storytelling, and heartfelt emotion, resonated deeply with audiences, making him one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of the 1970s. Among his enduring masterpieces is the ballad “Lover’s Cross”, a timeless tale of love’s resilience in the face of tragedy.

“Lover’s Cross” paints a vivid picture of a young couple, deeply in love and inseparable. Their bond is so strong that they envision a future together, filled with shared dreams and unwavering commitment. However, fate takes a cruel turn, and the couple is faced with heartbreak and loss. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the grieving lover, who grapples with the pain of losing their soulmate.

Croce’s songwriting prowess shines through in his ability to capture the universality of grief. The lyrics, though specific to the couple’s story, evoke a sense of shared experience, allowing listeners to connect with the emotional depth of the song. The imagery of the “lover’s cross”, a symbol of both love and loss, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of love, even in the face of death.

Despite the somber theme, “Lover’s Cross” is not a song of despair. Instead, it offers a message of hope and resilience. The protagonist, despite their profound sorrow, finds solace in the memories of their shared love. They acknowledge the pain of loss but also celebrate the joy of the love they once shared.

“Lover’s Cross” stands as a testament to Jim Croce’s lyrical genius and his ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. It is a ballad of love and loss, capturing the raw emotions of heartbreak while offering a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow. Through its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery, “Lover’s Cross” remains a timeless classic, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

Video

Lyrics

“Lover’s Cross”

 

I guess that it was bound to happen
Was just a matter of time
Now I’ve come to my decision
And its a-one of the painful kind
‘Cause now it seems that you wanted a martyr
Just a regular guy wouldn’t do
But baby I can’t hang upon no lover’s cross for youYou really gotta hand it to ya
‘Cause girl you really tried
But for ev’ry time that we spent laughin’
There were two times that I cried
And you were tryin’ to make me your martyr
And that’s the one thing I just couldn’t do
‘Cause baby I can’t hang upon no lover’s cross for you

‘Cause tables are meant for turnin’
And people are bound to change
And bridges are meant for burnin’
When the people and mem’ries they join aren’t the same

Still I hope that you can find another
Who can take what I could not
He’ll have to be a super guy
Or maybe a super god
‘Cause I never was much of a martyr before
And I ain’t ’bout to start nothin’ new
And baby I can’t hang upon no lover’s cross for you

‘Cause tables are meant for turnin’
And people are bound to change
And bridges are meant for burnin’
When the people and mem’ries they join aren’t the same

But I hope that you can find another
Who can take what I could not
He’ll have to be a super guy
Or maybe a super god
‘Cause I never was much of a martyr before
And I ain’t ’bout to start nothin’ new
And baby I can’t hang upon no lover’s cross for you