6 Answers

This phrase originated from "Whom the gods love dies young" a proverb told by the Greek historian Herodotus.

I think it merely seems that way but there are bad people who die young also.

I've known some wonderful people that died before their  time. My g.friend's son died last April , 2013 of leukemia.He was 34. So Sad. My late husband died before his time......so did his two brothers

Billy Joel? (just kidding) Obviously someone who was STILL ALIVE at the time. ;)

Neil Young

I've heard it several times but the most resent was from the movie. "Escape From Fort Bravo" 1953. Calvary Officer Captain Roper addresses his personal aid Pvt Symore "And if I don't come back..." then the aid quips," You'll be back Captain. Only the good die young." http://youtu.be/BdaiaaE5NvM?t=1m9s