I once saw a cartoon in M.A.D. magazine where a fellow is standing on a dock watching a dollar bill with wings fly away from him as a symbol of his lost wealth. He ties a ball and chain on his leg and jumps into the sea. On the bottom, he lands next to a treasure chest bursting with gold and jewels. The title of the cartoon was “Look Before You Leap”. That’s the inspiration for this song. I’ve never truly been suicidal, but like most everyone, I’ve known severe depression at times. But, it always passes and life gets worth living again. Still, I began to wonder, what happens if you succumb to the darkness and then change your mind after it is too late? Consider this a cautionary tale.

Recorded in the early 1970s on cassette.