[Intro]

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

Oh-oh, oh-oh

[Verse 1]

Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother

She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors

Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no

Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby

[Refrain]

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

[Chorus]

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

[Refrain]

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

[Verse 2]

And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom

I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger

I've never known the lovin' of man

But it sure felt nice when he was holdin' my hand

There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever

Who would have thought forever could be severed by

[Refrain]

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

[Bridge]

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls

What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts—oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar

They're worth so much more after I'm a goner

And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singin'

Funny when you're dead, how people start listenin'

[Chorus]

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

[Post-Chorus]

Ooh, ooh, the ballad of a dove

Go with peace and love

Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket

Save 'em for a time when you're really gonna need 'em

Oh, the sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

[Outro]

So put on your best, boys

And I'll wear my pearls