In 1970 Jackson Browne recorded the Criterion Demos (just Jackson Browne & a guitar), in which there is a song called "Gone To Sorrow" from whence the 'counter song' comes. The parts of that song that made it into "From Silver Lake" are almost identical to the latter set of lyrics, except. Where *long ago he* went to chase (not "today we").(&). The past is healing so *slow* (as opposed to "slowly").
I'll gladly email the song as proof, if need be.