Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
"And When My Life is Over..."
I was writing a song about dying, when I noticed that everyone who writes or sings about death, dies ... and usually tragically.
Donny Hathaway was a soul legend singer, keyboardist, songwriter and arranger. His most popular songs include "The Ghetto" and "A Song for You". He also recorded several hits singing duet with Roberta Flack, including "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You".
Hathaway began experiencing bouts of depression and exhibited unusual behavior. In 1971, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was prescribed various medications.
In 1979, Hathaway said white people had connected his brain to a machine to steal his voice. His recording session was cancelled. Hours later, he was found dead on the pavement below the window of his 15th-floor hotel room. He had jumped from his balcony.
Side Note: I quickly reworked the theme of my tune to be about returning home through space and time (totally not dying). I then dropped the lyrics and turned the melody into a guitar instrumental. That should be safe (youtu.be/1FuUKGrjEGY)!
"And When My Life is Over..."
I was writing a song about dying, when I noticed that everyone who writes or sings about death, dies ... and usually tragically.
Donny Hathaway was a soul legend singer, keyboardist, songwriter and arranger. His most popular songs include "The Ghetto" and "A Song for You". He also recorded several hits singing duet with Roberta Flack, including "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You".
Hathaway began experiencing bouts of depression and exhibited unusual behavior. In 1971, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was prescribed various medications.
In 1979, Hathaway said white people had connected his brain to a machine to steal his voice. His recording session was cancelled. Hours later, he was found dead on the pavement below the window of his 15th-floor hotel room. He had jumped from his balcony.
Side Note: I quickly reworked the theme of my tune to be about returning home through space and time (totally not dying). I then dropped the lyrics and turned the melody into a guitar instrumental. That should be safe (youtu.be/1FuUKGrjEGY)!
