08. All Of Me

A near death experience inspired this song. In 1991, after feeling extremely guilty for having an extra-marital affair, I - Philip Barber - took a massive overdose of Baclofen. By pure chance I was found soon afterwards and I was then rushed to hospital where I died, flat-lined, in the Intensive Care Unit.

Whilst I was gone I was taken to, what can only described as, the centre of the universe. Even though I was paralysed I was able to stand and I felt as if I was stood in outer-space, but at no time throughout my ordeal did I open my eyes.

I felt a feeling of pure and unadulterated peace. I truly believe that if a pin had dropped - a million miles away from me - I would've heard it!

Then a gentle voice, from behind me, said, "Peaceful... isn't it?

After a moment of contemplation He continued explaining to me, "You can come now but your time is not right... You have things to do that you've never even dreamed of.... I'm disappointed in you Philip."

Ihen He repeated the exact same dialect all over again.

I awoke, in the hospital, to the amazement of emergency team and my family, and I confessed all to those around me.

As for the next 18 years... I read the Bible, from cover to cover, and in 1992 I met & married an absolute angel called Sheridan Louise. I then formed a wonderful song writing partnership with, the incredibly talented, Gary Williams and we became U NO HU.

I am now blessed with five beautiful grandchildren, a lovely home and a second chance, thank God.

PS: I strongly advise that you do NOT attempt to commit suicide as I do NOT condone my actions. I was very, very lucky to survive my ordeal and with much knowledge and success comes much responsibility. Plus, I really did not want to remain in that place after being told 'My time was not right!'