Why do we never really appreciate people until they've gone?

Question

Okay, so this is a blatant plug for Johnny Cash, But Ive just had one of those goosebump moments listening to him singing Hurt
http://uk.music.yahoo.com/ar-298105---Johnny-Cash

Answer 1

We take them for granted while they are here. When they are gone we miss them and realize how important they were. Listen to Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell (or Amy Grant)
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique
And a swinging hot spot
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

They took all the trees
Put 'em in a tree museum
And they charged the people
A dollar and a half just to see 'em
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Hey farmer farmer
Put away that D.D.T. now
Give me spots on my apples
But leave me the birds and the bees
Please!
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Late last night
I heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxi
Took away my old man
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Answer 2

I write as a Joy Division fan and I agree. Much of the time we only see the visible and tangible affects of that person, such as songs, videos/films and other things. It is usually only when someone goes that the true place of that person is realised, the subtle affects of that person upon others. Prevalent with the death of a singer is the seeming belief that fame and fortune makes a person immortal in some way, that drugs, depression and suicide simply don't happen in their fairytale life.
Indeed I have found this to be true with Joy Division. Ian Curtis wanted fame, but also saw admiration for those who had found an early grave. When Joy Division released Unknown Pleasures in 1979, people saw beautiful and profound work, but only those close to Ian Curtis, friends and familly, saw the mental breakdown and suffering that he was going through at the time that created that music. Indeed the only real public showing was his suicide just as the group were about to tour the US.
The death and loss of stars makes us realise that their music has a real emotional level, that their music isn't coming out of thin air.

Answer 3

Abscence makes the heart grow fonder? I think it's worst before saying goodbye. Farewells are the worst.

Answer 4

Dont even know that tune mate.
Been there with the goosebumps walkin the line and ring of fire.
we just dont think about them till its too late.
Thank you.I had my slice too.

Answer 5

Cuzz u hate the things dey to when they are here but then when dey leave u love [miss] hatin dat stuff. I dont kno if dat makes sence but if it helps den kewl.


♥ MiSS Cyara, dat gurl who is famous in LA.♥Everytime da beat drop, monica♥

Answer 6

yea, i felt tha same way- you know tupac shakur, would he be tha best rapper if he didnt die??? i think its respect- if they were still alive, they would be like everyone eles, but we notice them when thier gone...i feel you on that...

Answer 7

well with the boat race you have got i think i would like to go asap.

Answer 8

hope somebody does appreciate me even when I have gone

Answer 9

Because we take them for granted until then!!!

Answer 10

well, that's true