Toast an absent friend

Well I just heard tonight that an old friend had died
The news of his death brought a tear to my eyes
Well it’s no lie to say he lived life to excess  
living in the fast lane taking no time to rest
My mind got to thinking of the times we had spent
The music we played the places that we went
I know that I’ll miss this good friend of mine
But I’ll still recall all those hell-raising times
So here’s a toast to you my friend
To the memory of your life

Raise your glasses way up high
And drink the bottle dry
We’ll drink a toast to you my friend
Until the morning light
Here’s to you and here’s to you
And here’s to you again
Raise your glasses way up high
And toast an absent friend

I must have known him for the best part of my life
I know how much he loved his children and his wife
Wipe away your tears I can hear him say
Fill up your glasses and drink to me this day

Raise your glasses way up high
And drink the bottle dry
We’ll drink a toast to you my friend
Until the morning light
Here’s to you and here’s to you
And here’s to you again
Raise your glasses way up high
And toast an absent friend