I had recently completed this song when I was asked to sing at the grave side of a friend's brother. My friend wanted me to sing a Willie McTell song "Pearly Gates". I sent him the words to "Only Memories Remain" and asked if he thought it would be appropriate. Just before I began to sing he gave me the option so I ended up singing it and sang "Pearly Gates" later at the wake. He also had everyone join in on another Willie McTell favorite of mine "Dyin' Crapshooters Blues".

ONLY MEMORIES REMAIN

As I walked the early morning streets
They seemed emptier today
Tryin' to reach inside
To find which words were right to say
But the words weren't there
The falling rain must've washed them all away
Wish you were here to hear this
But only memories remain

The times we shared, good and bad
Now echoes of the past
We said we'd meet next Thursday
To get together at long last
But it wasn't meant to be
Things just happened way too fast
I got the phone call this morning
Another friend of mine had passed

Many believe the human soul is eternal
And that the memory of each life will live on forever
As long as we, the living, never allow those memories to slip away

So it falls to each one of us to make the most of the time we share while we're here together
Because it's by these deeds that those we leave behind will recall us again to where only memories remain

Wasn't it just yesterday?
Our lives entwined as one
Sharing love and laughter
Damn it that was fun
There will never be another
To fill your place beneath the sun
I hope we meet again someday
When my time 'round here is done

Silently we gather
Reflecting hand in hand
About how each life matters
How we touch our fellow man
Here's to you my brother
Until your next refrain
Wishin' you were still here with us
But only memories remain

Yes, here's to you my brother
Until we meet again
Wishin' you were still here with us
But only memories remain

Only memories remain