The First To Leave by Elvis Costello

I should open with a kiss
For if you're reading this
You must have opened up your case
And found this letter where i placed it
In between the silk and lace
There were other clues, like your walking shoes
But i still refused to believe
That you were meant to be the first to leave

Everybody here sends you their love
How can i forget you still walk above
Or
Below
Perhaps you'll never know this purgatory
We never could agree
There's a thought, there's a pause
No time to repent
Eternally yours
In a permanent lent

But if i should give you up
If you're right and life just stops
And i never see your face again
Then from unearthly pleasures, proud and plain
I shall abstain

Until you realise, my loss is your surprise
Unless you know otherwise
Then don't grieve
You see i had to be the first to leave