About the song
Background of Bob Dylan’s Forever Young
- Released in 1974 on the album Planet Waves, it features two versions: a slower lullaby and a faster-paced rock version.
- Inspiration came from Dylan’s son, though there’s some debate on which one – either Jesse (born 1966) or Jakob (born 1969).
- Dylan himself has said he aimed to write it as a hopeful song but avoid being overly sentimental.
Themes in Forever Young
- Paternal Wishes: The song expresses a father’s hopes for his child’s happiness, strength, and moral compass.
- Maintaining Youthfulness: The lyrics can be interpreted on a surface level as a desire to stay physically young. But there’s also a deeper meaning – a wish to retain a youthful spirit of curiosity, idealism, and openness to life’s experiences.
- Time and Mortality: The song acknowledges the passage of time with lines like “May your hands always be busy” and “May you grow old without regret.” It suggests a bittersweet acceptance of aging while holding onto youthful values.
- Universality: While written for his son, the song’s themes resonate with people of all ages. It’s a reminder to hold onto hope, compassion, and a sense of wonder throughout life.
Even though Dylan wrote it decades ago, “Forever Young” remains a popular and inspiring song with themes that continue to connect with listeners.
Video
Lyrics
May God bless and keep you alwaysMay your wishes all come trueMay you always do for othersAnd let others do for youMay you build a ladder to the starsAnd climb on every rungMay you stay forever youngMay you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteousMay you grow up to be trueMay you always know the truthAnd see the light surrounding youMay you always be courageousStand upright and be strongMay you stay forever youngMay you stay forever young
May your hands always be busyMay your feet always be swiftMay you have a strong foundationWhen the winds of changes shiftMay your heart always be joyfulMay your song always be sungAnd may you stay forever youngMay you stay forever young