Lita Ford And The One Song She Still Can’T Play Without Crying

April 3, 2025

Lita Ford stood on the dimly lit stage of a small, intimate venue, her heart racing like a wild horse. It was a far cry from the massive arenas she had once filled as a leading figure in the 1980s rock scene. As she adjusted her guitar strap, she felt a familiar wave of emotion wash over her. Tonight, she was going to play “The Best of Me,” a song she had written many years ago. The lyrics were like a diary entry, holding memories of loss and heartache, and as she took a deep breath, she prepared herself for the inevitable tears.

“The Best of Me” was more than just a song; it was a tribute to her first love, who had passed away in a tragic accident. Lita had channeled her pain into the music, pouring every ounce of grief and longing into those heartfelt chords. During the height of her career, Lita had experienced the thrill of fame, touring with bands like The Runaways and releasing albums that topped charts. Yet, even in those dazzling moments, the weight of loss had always lingered in the background, reminding her of what she had lost. Each time she played that song, no matter where she was, the familiar ache would rise in her chest, leading her to tears.

As the first notes of the guitar rang out in the small venue, silence enveloped the audience. It was as if time stood still. She looked out at the faces before her, young and old, all ready to hear her story. Each strum resonated with a power that came from deep within her soul. Memories flooded her mind—the laughter they shared, the dreams they painted together, and the emptiness that followed his departure. She found herself lost in those moments, allowing the emotions to wash over her like a tidal wave. Each lyric felt like a conversation with him, a way to keep his memory alive.

While Lita had learned to embrace the pain through music, it was never easy. After performing the song countless times, she still found herself caught off guard by the depth of her feelings. The first time it happened, she was in the middle of a performance when tears began to stream down her face, blurring her vision. Instead of stopping, she played on, pouring her heart into the music. The audience watched, captivated by her vulnerability, feeling every bit of love and sorrow that filled the air. In that moment, Lita realized that her music was not just a way to cope; it was also a bridge that connected her to others who had experienced similar losses.

As the final notes faded into silence, the crowd erupted in applause, but Lita stood still, her heart heavy yet light. She had bared her soul on stage, and in doing so, she had created a space for healing—not just for herself, but for everyone listening. People approached her afterward, sharing their stories of loss and love, thanking her for the courage to express what they felt. Lita understood that while she still couldn’t play “The Best of Me” without crying, those tears were no longer just a sign of sadness; they were a celebration of love that outlasted even death.

Lita Ford walked off that stage feeling renewed. Music had always been her lifeline, a way to navigate through the darkest storms of her life. With each performance, she not only honored her past but also inspired those around her to find strength in their own stories. Even though she carried the weight of her losses, she knew that resilience was woven into every note she played. And as long as she had her guitar in hand, she would keep sharing her journey, reminding everyone that even in our deepest pain, we can find hope and healing through the power of music.