Words by Brad Winkler, Music by David W. Loftis
Tonight without her presence, I’m so all alone
But I’m with her in my thoughts
And though I’m miles away from her
My mind still lingers on
All our precious little talks
And I will miss you so, said I -
And with her eyes she said the same to me.
And I will miss you so, said I -
And with her eyes she said the same to me.
As one who looks too long upon the sun
With eyes unguarded, readjusts his gaze;
Yet carries with him still a golden haze
That dwells with him as shadows fill his days.
As one who leaves a concert while his ears
Still hold the music, pulsing like a chime;
And even in the stillness, for a time,
Recalls the melody again and hears . . .
When you’re gone,
When you’re gone I’m still with you.
When you’re not here,
When you’re not here I feel your warmth –
Like an afterglow.
So too, my love when you are gone from mev-v
Your presence lingers like an afterglow;
And all the senses hold you, and I know
I shall never lose you, for I know.
You cannot wholly leave me, but some part
Remains like light and music in my heart.
When you’re gone,
When you’re gone I’m still with you.
When you’re not here,
When you’re not here I feel your warmth –
Like an afterglow.
Copyright © 2008 David Loftis Worship Ministries, Cary, NC
Words by David Loftis & Brad Winkler
Music by David Loftis
Performed by David Loftis
Acoustic Guitar: David Loftis
Rhythm guitar: Jay Leach
Percussion: Nucleo Vega
Harmonica: Dave Tauler
The very first song I wrote was on my senior trip to Orlando, Florida – I was away from my girlfriend and feeling “sappy” – and very much enjoying the process of learning to play the guitar. On that trip, I wrote the opening ditty of this song – “Without Her Presence.” There’s actually a second verse, but it’s really bad! So then about a year later, my brother gave me a poem written by his roommate at the time, Brad Winkler. I had been playing around with some chords, and wrote the tune to the poem that you hear.
One of the areas where marriage relationships are challenged greatly is in times of separation – whether it is because of work or illness or whatever. Satan attacks in those times – so to have tools to keep us as close together as possible is vital. Some of our tools: we call daily (at least once a day – usually several if possible!) This is the basis of the “telephone” medium in the introduction. I take pictures with me of us together. Carol writes me notes – leaving them in critical places in my suitcase. We text often. We pray for each other separately in whatever endeavor we’re involved in. And I daydream often. That’s the mantra of the rest of the song. We’re sickeningly romantic, but there’s a reason: I refuse to give into the evil one in this vital area of our life, so we will press on together.