The visits his wife's grave and raises a glass in a final toast to her memory.
Lavigne came up with the concept for the video herself, which was directed by . While she has stated the song is generally about the "emotional stuff" that comes with missing someone you love, it was reportedly written while she was married to Deryck Whibley and inspired by the distance created by their separate touring schedules.
The finally receives a text from her husband saying, "I'm okay. I miss U," while at a military memorial service.
A young pregnant woman says goodbye to her husband as he leaves to fight in a war. She spends her days distraught, watching news of war casualties and waiting for any word from him.
In the video’s climax, the metaphorical walls of their isolation collapse as the vignettes break into daylight:
An older man mourns his recently deceased wife. He is seen surrounded by her belongings, clutching her photographs and mementos in an empty house where her clothes still hang in the closet.
Watch the official music video to see these emotional stories unfold: Avril Lavigne - When You're Gone (Official Video) AvrilLavigneVEVO YouTube• Oct 2, 2009 Behind the Scenes
