The Week That Ernie Died Lyrics & Chords By Chris Whiteley

The week that Ernie died I was walkin' in the rain
The airplanes flying overhead will never sound the same
In just a few short days a lot of things have changed
Or so it seems

He was known as Mr. Dressup; a funny, gentle man
A kindly father figure to the children of this land
No matter where you came from he would stop and shake your hand
No phonies here, know what I mean?

Now I know that it may sound crazy but I'm glad he didn't see
All the terror and the violence, all the tears and misery
The kind of thing he stood for was just human decency
And open minds

Every suicidal bomber has a god upon his side
Every missle that destroys is fully sanctified
I said a prayer for peace then I hung my head and cried
The week that Ernie died

Now me and Ernie, John and Jonesy played a round of golf last spring
We shared some jokes and stories with some pretty lousy swings
Sometimes it really helps to remember little things
And find a smile

And it doesn't really matter what heaven you can see
It's what you do while here that's the legacy you leave
Just like my old friend Ernie I've still got to believe
In taking time
And being kind

Now I know it may sound crazy but I'm glad he didn't see
All the terror and the violence, all the tears and misery
I said a prayer for peace then I hung my head and cried
The week that Ernie died