The song is an English-language adaptation of the 1961 Belgian song “Le Moribond” (meaning “The Dying Man”) by singer-songwriter Jacques Brel. English lyrics were rewritten in 1963 by singer-poet Rod McKuen. The song portrays a dying man bidding farewell to his loved ones. Terry Jacks recorded his version, inspired by his leukemia-stricken friend Roger. In Jacks’ rendition, the dying man reminisces about happy times with childhood friends and reflects on life choices. Unlike the original, Jacks’ version ends with peaceful acceptance rather than heartbreak. Terry Jacks’ version became a worldwide hit in 1974 and topped the charts. It remains a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the passage of time .