Moving on from Loss
The narrator of When I Die I Want Your Hands On My Eyes describes the beauty and compassion of the love of his life. He states that he wants to be with her when he dies, which may seem contrary to the idea of moving on after a loss. However, he later explains that he wants his love to remain in his lover's heart, but for them to move on without him. Resolving that he will be waiting in the afterlife for his lover to arrive, he notes to them the importance of enjoying all of the time they have on Earth - with or without him.
Love and Death
It is quite a difficult thing for lovers to part, but the narrator tries to make the best of his death. Not wanting to worry his lover, he states that he wants to pass away gently with his eyes covered - looking out into a new realm but nevertheless asleep. The narrator's deep devotion for his lover is brought forth in his wishes to keep them calm throughout his passing. Though he will no longer be in the physical worth, he commits to remaining devoted to his lover in the spiritual world, waiting for them when they too, pass on.
Relationships as an Extension of the Soul
The narrator is deeply devoted to his spouse, but nevertheless wants them to remain happy after his death. He notes that he wants for what he loves to continue living, implying that he sees his spouse almost as an extension of himself. Should his lover remain alive, then so too will he because his relationship with them is so strong. The narrator references how his lover will still feel his presence after his death, almost as if his soul and love is living within them.
By mentioning that his shadow will pass through his lover's hair, the narrator gives the impression of being brought along - forcefully but willingly - after death. He will not be able to control his lover's memories, and as long as his memory lives on, so will his relationship and soul. He states that he wants his lover to continue to experience the things that they once experienced together, to evoke the feelings that they had and continue their relationship after death.
