Live by choice, not by chance

 I can see that then I had it all as I look back with a smile
To the life that I was leading before
I’d got the job, I’d got the friends, I was happy in myself
It was mostly figured out by 24
But on that fateful birthday night an argument occurred
And to clear the air was all we did intend
A party drug to lift the mood, it’d done the job before
But this time would bring my life to an end

I know I’m not the first and sure as hell I’m not the last
So I’d like to send a message from beyond
Don’t wait, don’t hesitate
At the first sign that things are going wrong

Make sure you know the risks and what to do in advance
Live by choice, not by chance
Had we done that back then could it have changed my circumstance
Live by choice, not by chance
Live by choice, not by chance

Now I look upon those left behind who forever held me close
And see their lives will never be the same
Seeing how they learn to cope, each in their own way
Like mum lighting candles in my name
Like how dad doesn’t say much but when he pours a drink
You can see it in the tremble of his hand
Like how my brother always hangs my hoody somewhere close
They don’t need to say it, but they all understand.

And it brings a smile to see my name in ink upon the arms
Of friends forever keeping me in mind
More than just a memory in a heartagram design
It’s a symbol that serves to remind

Make sure you know the risks and what to do in advance
Live by choice, not by chance
Had we done that back then could it have changed my circumstance
Live by choice, not by chance
Live by choice, not by chance

I can’t help thinking now how I’ll be missing out on stuff
‘Cos twenty four birthdays is nowhere near enough
At 30 years, how would I have celebrated that?
Would I have wed? I know my nan would’ve loved to buy a hat
Had I had a little prince or princess of my own
Would they have had my eyes? All these things we’ll never know

Make sure you know the risks and what to do in advance
Live by choice, not by chance
Had we done that back then could it have changed my circumstance
Live by choice, not by chance
Live by choice, not by chance