From the recording Till the End
James Mayer and Peter Leighton were housemates and best friends in College at the University of Maine, Portland-Gorham. They remained very close friends ever since. Early in their friendship at college Peter shared the Till the End melody and changes he'd written for the verse and chorus with James. He's written it on his banjo. Peter also had completed lyrics to the first verse and chorus. During a music session with Peter, James then wrote the bridge on his acoustic guitar and tightened up an arrangement. Years later the two friends finish the lyrics together remotely. James went on to record a rough demo as a surprise for one of Peter's birthdays.
On August 6, 2023, Peter died suddenly and unexpectedly. James recorded this final track as a tribute to his dear friend and sang it at his memorial service in Nashville, Tennessee.
"This one's for you, Peter. Miss you!"
All instruments, vocals, engineering and mixing: James Mayer
Mastering: Charles Yingling, Nashville, Tennessee
Lyrics
TILL THE END
Copyright 2003 Peter Leighton and A. James Mayer (BMI)
Verse 1
Doesn’t it hurt to lose in the morning
before the break of dawn
Kind of wets the eyes up
and leaves you feeling numb
Sets your mind to wonder bout
What you haven’t got
Chorus
You never really find out till the end
never really find out till the end
Verse 2
But, it’s ecstasy to win the love
that you thought was out of reach
All your dreams were answered
when you finally chanced to meet
Then with a winners heart you tried
the prize so fine, so sweet
Chorus
You never really find out till the end
never really find out till the end
Bridge
Every day I’m reaching out for all the best from love and life
Win or lose I roll the dice and face tomorrow
Verse 3
Life goes by at the speed of light
while we search for days divine
Looking for our place in life
a path for all our time
Those inclined to win the race
are bold, have faith, keep trying
Chorus
You never really find out till the end
never really find out till the end
Bridge
Every day I’m reaching out for all the best from love and life
Win or lose I roll the dice and face tomorrow