A half a generation too late...
I was introduced to you
Through a very special friend.
And I could not believe
How you moved me.

He told me stories
Of how special your music was.
How it helped him remember
His young and dangerous years.

He told me of the times that only you
Could have given him.
And tonight, we lay down roses
And ribbons...and long brown hair

Did you know how they loved you?
Did you know that you became
A part of their young lives?
And do you understand
That you remain a part of them still?

At 4:23am, on August 9, 1995
When you did not rise with the sun
California became your deathbed.

I wonder...
Who will complete your destiny?
I wonder...
Why we feel compelled to fly
(just one last time)

Be grateful in your death.
For while you lived
You have been truly loved
By those you never knew.

And I'll never have the answer
When he asks me "why?".
But I'll look at my friend
Whom I love, and who still loves you,

And I will say...
I don't know,
...maybe it was the roses.