i will be there when you die - a question

[paintaneight]

i'm starting to think this is about a friend of jim's who passed away due to illiness.  can anyone fill me in if theres a background to the song?

[lfish]

I don't know, I always thought it was an incredible beautiful lovesong.

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

Sometimes, I think it is about someone close to Jim.  Then, I think its a symbolic love song to a relative, an ode to a good friend, a love song directed at a lover...the possibilities to look deeper into the meaning are just about endless.

Mostly, I try to stay conscious of the fact that the meaning seems hidden, on purpose, for us to discover in our own way...another fine musician magic spell concocted by Mr. James to keep us mystified.

[Oz]

I always wondered too if the "Joe" in the song is an actual person or just symbolic... There might be an actual Joe involved, but the overall meaning of the song is more universal, I think. Two persons who are connected, no matter what happens to them. True friendship, truly unconditional love, that's what it's about, I think.

[Joe Hammen]

The Joe in that song is me, of course  ;D
Peace
JoeBEar