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 always
May your wishes all come true May you always do for others And let others do for you May you build a ladder to the stars And climb on every rung May you stay forever young May you stay forever youngMay you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true May you always know the truth And see the light surrounding you May you always be courageous Stand upright and be strong May you stay forever young May you stay forever youngMay your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift May you have a strong foundation When the winds of changes shift May your heart always be joyful May your song always be sung And may you stay forever young May you stay forever young