Introduction:
“When I Saw You Leaving (For Nisey)” is a deeply personal song by country music artist Alan Jackson, featured as the closing track on his 2012 album, Thirty Miles West. The song was inspired by Jackson’s emotional journey during his wife Denise’s battle with colorectal cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2010.
The Jacksons were celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary in December 2010 when Denise received the unexpected diagnosis. The news was a profound shock, especially considering Denise’s prior good health. Alan recalled, “Of all the people to come up with cancer, I’d never in a million years bet any money that Denise would.”
In response to the overwhelming emotions during this challenging period, Jackson turned to songwriting as a form of solace. He penned “When I Saw You Leaving (For Nisey)” to express his feelings and support his wife. Initially, he kept the song private, choosing not to share it with Denise until after it was recorded. Upon hearing it, Denise was moved to tears, reflecting the song’s profound emotional impact.
The lyrics poignantly capture the fear, confusion, and helplessness that accompany a loved one’s serious illness. Lines such as “You can’t help but see the worst to come a thousand different ways” convey the inner turmoil experienced during such times. Despite the song’s deeply personal nature, Jackson included it on his album with the hope that it might resonate with and provide comfort to others facing similar struggles.
Fortunately, Denise’s cancer was detected early, and after undergoing treatment, she was declared cancer-free. Reflecting on the experience, Jackson noted that it led them to reassess their values and priorities, stating, “It made us change our whole outlook on life, what we value and what’s important.”
While “When I Saw You Leaving (For Nisey)” was not released as a single, it stands as one of Alan Jackson’s most intimate and heartfelt compositions, offering insight into the personal trials he and his family endured and underscoring the universal themes of love, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity.