If today was my last day
I'd call my mom out of the blue
Take the time to say the words I seldom do
I'd leave my suitcase in the closet
And tell the world it'll have to wait
Then I'd take my little girl
On an ice-cream date
What am I waiting for?
It ain't like I'm gonna live forever
I don't wanna miss it anymore
So, from now on it's now or never
I'm gonna hold on to what matters
And let the rest slip through my hands
What I would do
Is what I will do
While I can
I'd bring home baby's favorite flowers
Leave my work outside the door
And we'd laugh about how we both forgot
What we were mad at each other for
I'd let go of all my grudges
Make the choice to just forgive
And spend the rest of my time free
From all this hate and bitterness
So, what am I waiting for?
It ain't like I'm gonna live forever
I don't wanna miss it anymore
So, from now on it's now or never
I'm gonna hold on to what matters
And let the rest slip through my hands
What I would do
Is what I will do
While I can
If today was my last day
And it was almost time to go
I'd pick up that old Bible
And I'd put down my phone
I'd watch the steam rise from my coffee
And the sun rise in the sky
And I'd thank the Lord for one more chance
To try and get it right
What am I waiting for?
It ain't like I'm gonna live forever
I don't wanna miss it anymore
So, from now on it's now or never
I'm gonna hold on to what matters
And let the rest slip through my hands
What I would do
Is what I will do
While I can
What I would do
Is what I will do
While I can
While I Can
While I Can Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Matthew West's song "While I Can" serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness and fleeting nature of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life viewed through the lens of a potential "last day," prompting a deep reflection on priorities. It immediately zeroes in on the things that truly matter when stripped of daily distractions – reaching out to family, cherishing moments with loved ones like an ice-cream date with a child, and setting aside the demands of the external world, represented by leaving the suitcase in the closet and telling work to wait.
The song progresses to highlight the importance of nurturing close relationships and letting go of negativity. It touches upon the simple yet profound act of bringing home flowers for a partner and finding joy in overcoming minor conflicts. The powerful message of forgiveness is introduced, emphasizing the freedom that comes from releasing grudges and bitterness. These actions, often deferred or deemed less urgent in the rush of daily life, are presented as essential components of a life well-lived, particularly when considering time's limitations.
The third verse brings a spiritual dimension to this reflection. The image of putting down the phone and picking up the Bible underscores the desire for intentional spiritual connection and reflection when faced with life's ultimate horizon. Observing simple natural beauties like steam rising from coffee and the sunrise becomes an act of gratitude, acknowledging the blessing of another day and the opportunity to live it rightly. This shift points towards a recognition of faith as a foundational priority.
The heart of the song resides in its compelling chorus, which acts as a powerful call to action. The transition from "What I would do" to "Is what I will do / While I can" is the pivotal message. It challenges the listener to stop merely contemplating a better way to live and instead commit to living that way *now*, while they have the time and ability. This central theme is a direct urging to prioritize what truly matters – relationships, faith, forgiveness, and simple moments – before it is too late, recognizing the inherent uncertainty of the future.
The song's themes resonate deeply with biblical wisdom about living wisely and redeeming the time. Passages like Ephesians 5:15-16 encourage believers to "look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Similarly, James 4:14 speaks to the brevity of life, describing it as "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes," reinforcing the urgency to live intentionally today. The emphasis on forgiveness aligns with Ephesians 4:32, which calls us to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
The music video for "While I Can" was released on December 2, 2022. Videos accompanying songs with such a reflective message often visually portray the themes, showing scenes of family life, quiet moments of reflection, or symbolic actions like letting go of burdens, reinforcing the song's core message about cherishing the present and prioritizing what holds lasting value.
