Story Behind The Song

My mother died and we buried her ashes in our family cemetery plot. I was taken back by how many of us have passed on. My uncles, aunts, grandparents, sisters, father, cousins, and now Mom. Back at the B&B where I stayed, I was taken back by the old pictures on the wall. With a combination of sadness and acceptance, I realized we're only renting space here, so live life to the fullest, while you have the chance, and be good to others so memories of you will be good ones.

Song Description

Realizing how temporary life is, "we're only renting space here, after all." The song carries an inspirational message, too, for people to be thankful for every day and to live every moment, and to be aware of how you treat people, and how they might remember you.

Lyrics

RENTING SPACE
Lyrics and Music by Carlene Thissen, Copyright 2011

VERSE 1

I stood and stared at the names on the stones
The day I buried Mama, my family was gone
A group of her friends stood there with me and cried
As I sang a final goodbye

I stayed at the house that I used to call home
The very first time, I was there all alone
I sat and I stared at her picture in the frame,
And remembered what she used to say,

CHORUS

Everybody's renting - we're not allowed to buy
Everybody's leaving - we don't get out alive
Life is a gift, so give thanks when you pray
Live every moment and love every day
Like the names on the stones, old pictures on the wall
We're only renting space here, after all.

VERSE 2

It got me thinking about who I am
What people are to me, and what I mean to them
One reason we're living came clear in my mind
It's the memories - we leave behind

CHORUS

BRIDGE
I - make - amends when I can
And sometimes - you can bet it - I'm crying
I - do - my best, but in the end
I hope we get credit for trying

CHORUS