Polynesian singer Junior Maile released a music video for his original song “When I’m Gone” on Monday. Maile is a talented vocalist with roots in Tonga and Samoa and has an R&B style to his music. While his song “When I’m gone” seems upbeat and cheerful by the rhythm and melody, the story it tells about a small family is profound and even a little heartbreaking.
The music video begins with a father taking his two sons camping and playing catch with them. Later, when his sons are in school, his wife receives a phone call. Her face fills with sorrow. Her husband has passed away. The rest of the video shows how the family struggles to deal with that loss, while the lyrics to “When I Am Gone” in the background shows what the father hopes his family will remember when he is gone. Here are some of the advice he gives in the song:
Take care of each other
Protect one another
Always remember who you are
Be kind to each other
Forgive one another
And know that I am never far
When I am gone
I will always be with you
Always watching you and protecting
When I am gone
You will always have my heart
Always be my love and my blessing
When I am gone
I have always been so proud
From the very first time I held you
When I am gone
I will never leave your side
I will always be in your heart
There will come a day when you will
feel your whole world come tumbling down
Put your faith in the Lord
Fight through the pain
Be strong and hold your ground
Crying today when I think of the trials that you surely face
But I know that you have the strength deep within you
To overcome and finish the race
The thoughts that Maile shares in this song reflect his beliefs as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Mormons believe that when we die, our spirits will go on living, and we will be able to watch over our loved ones from the other side. Maile wants his family to “put [their] faith in the Lord” through the challenges that they face. This song also reveals that family is extremely important to Maile. Latter-day Saints believe that families are central to God’s plan for his children. Although this music video is a little sad, it also contains an underlying message of hope. After this father’s family “finishes the race” of life, they will be able to see each other again because families are eternal. The advice given in this song is also reminiscent of the teachings of Jesus Christ: “protect one another,” “be kind to each other,” “forgive one another.” Mormons believe that by following the teachings of Jesus Christ, families will be able to have joy and success in their homes.
Beautiful. My hopes and prayers to my children and to all generation to come. Thank you.
BEAUTIFUL
What a beautiful thing to leave to your children and to all those that can realate to this heartfelt song. Junior Maile is a wonderful artist with a great message and a strong testimony. Thank you!
sO LOVELY July 13,2017
awesomes song.we all hear to learn from one another and be kind to our own family.so when we gone from this world
we can be together again.
FAMILY ARE FOREVER.
What an awesome memory of a loving father. I’m so blessed to know that a loving Father in heaven has planned for families to be together forever.
What a beautiful bond they have! Thank you for sharing your heart and your testimony with all of us. Families are forever