• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The '80s Ruled

Featuring the best 80s music videos, TV shows, 80s celebrities and more!

Journey – Only The Young – The Story Behind the Song

October 11, 2020 By the80sruled Leave a Comment

Journey Only the Young

Journey’s Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon wrote the song ‘Only The Young’ in 1983 and sold it to another one of our favorite ’80s bands, Scandal . Scandal released it on their 1984 Warrior album. Journey also recorded and released the song as a single in 1985, and Journey’s version was included on the soundtrack to the 1985 movie ‘Vision Quest’. Scandal was actually given a large settlement in the legal aftermath of Journey releasing the song themselves.

Journey’s version reached number nine on the Hot 100 charts in March 1985. Scandal didn’t release the song as a single.

The song had a tremendous impact on a 16 year-old boy and subsequently changed Cain, Perry, and Schon’s lives forever:

The first individual outside the band to hear the song was sixteen-year-old Kenny Sykaluk of Rocky River, Ohio, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. His mother wrote a letter to the band telling them about her son’s terminal condition, and how big a fan he was of Journey. The band flew to his hospital bedside in Cleveland, Ohio at the request of the Make a Wish Foundation. Along with a Walkman containing the new track, the band also brought Kenny a football helmet signed by the San Francisco 49ers and an autographed Journey platinum record award. The experience of playing the song for Kenny left Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain deeply affected. Perry said, “As soon as I walked out of the hospital room, I lost it. Nurses had to take me to a room by myself.” On the band’s episode of VH1’s Behind the Music, Cain broke down in tears recalling the event, remarking that “children should not have to live with that kind of pain”. Kenny died the next day, with the Walkman still in his hand. The song brought life into perspective for the band and left them humbled. Neal Schon said that Kenny’s death affected Journey by making them re-evaluate the issues that were causing friction inside the band itself. In honor of Kenny Sykaluk, the band used the song as their opener for the Raised on Radio Tour. via Wikipedia

journey song forever young

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

  • Firehouse Singer CJ Snare Dies
  • 30 Eclipse Songs
  • Sync 'Dark Side' With Eclipse
  • Rockers React to CJ Snare Death
  • DeYoung and Styx Don't Talk

Ultimate Classic Rock

Journey’s ‘Only the Young’ Gets Lyric Update in New Cover

Journey 's "Only the Young" has been reimagined in a new cover version featuring Eels frontman E — with a lyric change that took the band's former singer  Steve Perry by surprise. The Miraculous Love Kids of Afghanistan tackled the song — which became a Top 10 hit for Journey and originally appeared in the 1985 movie Vision Quest —  enlisting E to handle vocals on the new record.

What’s Different About the New 'Only the Young' Lyrics?

The new version of "Only the Young" has a relatively minor lyrical change, with the last line of the chorus modified from " Burning like wildfire " to " Reaching higher and higher ."

E — whose full name is Mark Oliver Everett — sounded enthused about the project on a recent episode of the  Naked Lunch podcast, where he also discussed how he learned about the lyrical change while texting Perry, a longtime friend.

READ MORE: How a Leftover Song Changed Journey Forever

How Did Steve Perry React to the New Lyrics?

Perry responded to E and said, "Nice job. Did you change the lyrics, or did they,'" E recalled, noting that there was no punctuation from Perry — not even a question mark — in any of the text messages during their conversation. "They changed the lyrics?" he asked the singer. "Yes," Perry replied. "It doesn't matter now," he added when E inquired about the changes. (UCR has reached out to Miraculous Love Kids' PR regarding the change.)

READ MORE: How Eels Helped Steve Perry Find 'Emotional Honesty' in His Music

Watch the Miraculous Love Kids Perform 'Only the Young' With E

Who Are the Miraculous Love Kids of Afghanistan?

Featuring more than 200 children from Afghanistan, as well as Iraq, Pakistan and Kurdistan, the Miraculous Love Kids were formed by organizer Lanny Cordola. The former Giuffria and House of Lords guitarist formed a nonprofit under the same name to teach guitar to war-torn, poverty-stricken children.

Invoking Martin Luther King Jr., Cordola shared in a statement: "We also have a dream – to one day end the suffering of children — and to address this in the most creative and compassionate way possible."

Cordola sought to arrange the new version of "Only the Young" in a "'70s dreamy, California way," to highlight the kids' guitar skills.

'It's Very Sad, Painful and Lovely'

Perry was touched and supportive when he was introduced to the Miraculous Love Kids' music. "It's very sad, painful and lovely," he said in a press release of a previous collaboration  they had done with Brian Wilson . "So sweet, these girls are."

E added that a personal message from the kids "melted my cold, icy heart. … Despite being friends with Steve Perry, I was not familiar with the Journey song they wanted to sing with me, but I knew I wanted to sing with them." You can watch previous Miraculous Love Kids performances with Sammy Hagar , Joe Walsh , Tom Morello and more on Cordola's YouTube channel .

Listen to E's Interview on the 'Naked Lunch' Podcast

The Best Song From Every Journey Album

More from ultimate classic rock.

John Fogerty Adds Second Leg to Summer ‘Celebration Tour’

Song Meanings and Facts

Song Meanings and Facts

Forever Young – Unraveling the Timeless Wishes of a Folk Legend

by SMF AI · January 16, 2024

  • Music Video
  • Song Meaning

Eternal Innocence: The Lyrical Quest for the Fountain of Youth

Selflessness illuminated: a call to community and compassion, stars and ladders: the hidden meanings shining through, when the winds of changes shift: facing adversity with resolve, the quintessential lines: echoes of an ageless anthem.

May 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 young

Full Lyrics

Forever Young, a melody that dances through the decades, remains one of Bob Dylan’s most beloved and resonant works. Within its verses lies a time capsule of wisdom, a liturgy of hope that transcends the era in which it was born.

Conjuring images of innocent aspirations and perennial optimism, Dylan’s words echo the universal longing for an untarnished spirit. But beneath the veneer of simplicity, the songwriters’ carefully chosen phrases suggest a tapestry of deeper meanings, at once both personal and collective.

At first glance, ‘Forever Young’ reads like a tender benediction, a list of blessings poured out upon a child from a watchful elder. Dylan’s prayerful prose tugs at the heartstrings, conjuring a world where purity and joy are eternally safeguarded.

However, the lyrical journey is as much about preserving that age of innocence as it is an ode to the relentless passage of time. It speaks to our innate desire to protect and nurture the inner child we all possess, urging us to hold onto the curiosity and wonder that come so naturally in youth.

‘May you always do for others, and let others do for you’ — these lines echo the heartbeat of communal living and interdependence. Bob Dylan doesn’t merely wish for individual longevity; he underscores the importance of reciprocal altruism in an ever-isolating world.

Dylan’s message transcends self-preservation, positioning generosity and humility as the true keys to a life well-lived. Aligning oneself with others and the greater good, he suggests, is a pathway to preserving one’s youthful spirit.

Bob Dylan, the master wordsmith, never shies away from metaphorical depths. The notion of building ‘a ladder to the stars’ suggests an aspiration that reaches beyond the tangible — a spiritual and existential climbing toward something greater.

The song extends an invitation to not merely dream, but to act — to engage in life’s journey with the determination to ascend every rung. These hidden meanings reveal Dylan’s introspective commentary on growth, ambition, and the pursuit of one’s highest potential.

The winds of change are a formidable force, but Dylan’s lyrics offer a blueprint for resilience. ‘May you have a strong foundation’ is more than a wish; it’s a recognition of the inevitable challenges life presents and the importance of inner strength.

‘May your feet always be swift’ encourages readiness and agility, echoing the sentiment that change is not to be feared but embraced as an opportunity for growth. Dylan’s sage advice instills a sense of preparedness, urging listeners to weather life’s storms with grace and fortitude.

The repeated refrain ‘May you stay forever young’ is the grounding force of the song, a mantra that encompasses all the complexities and simplicity of Dylan’s composition. It’s a clarion call for timelessness, a heady mixture of idealism and the tangible reality of life’s swift flight.

Each verse concludes with this poignant line, engraving the message into the memory of audiences the world over. The power of these words lies in their universal appeal — a collective yearning for vitality, for a life brimming with ceaseless vigor and undiminished hope.

Related posts:

  • Knocking on Heavens door – A Ballad of Mortality and Redemption
  • Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right – Unraveling the Poetic Wisdom Behind Dylan’s Classic
  • Mr. Tambourine Man – Exploring the Lyrical Odyssey
  • Hurricane – Unboxing The Social Justice Anthem of a Generation
  • Tangled Up in Blue – Unraveling the Threads of Love and Loss
  • Subterranean Homesick Blues – Decoding the Countercultural Anthem
  • I Want You – Decoding the Desire in Dylan’s Classic Tune
  • Girl From the North Country – Unraveling the Nostalgic Enigma
  • Just Like a Woman – The Complexity of Identity and Intimacy Unraveled
  • Ballad of a Thin Man – Deciphering the Labyrinth of Social Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name (Optional)

You may also like...

Bob Dylan

“All Along the Watchtower” by Bob Dylan

June 15, 2019

 by Jessica Shelton · Published June 15, 2019

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “Only a Pawn in Their Game” Lyrics Meaning

May 26, 2019

 by SMF · Published May 26, 2019 · Last modified May 28, 2019

Knockin' on Heaven's Door

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” Lyrics Meaning

September 17, 2019

 by SMF · Published September 17, 2019

journey song forever young

Song Meanings & Facts

  • Terms and Conditions

Untold Dylan

The meaning behind the music and words of Bob Dylan

Untold Dylan

Forever Young: the meaning of the lyrics – an alternative view

We’ve already taken one look at Forever Young, but as we’ve seen before, there’s much to be said and much to be gained in considering an alternative view.  There’s a link to the original review at the end of this article.

———

Forever Young by Dearbhla Egan

I have a friend about the same age as myself.  Let’s just say we are both around the half century mark.  We have talked together a lot about music over the years but both have very different tastes regarding what we like to listen to.  It is funny really, because if you are especially fond of a particular artist, it can sometimes be very difficult to understand why another person does not share your enthusiasm.  Recently I asked my friend why she did not like Dylan and she said she didn’t hate him but she just had a preference for other artists and bands such as Led Zeppelin!! However, she did concede that she liked the Dylan song ‘Forever Young’. Well, I thought that was a bit of an obvious and corny choice when one considers the enormous list she had to choose from but each to their own I suppose.

I was thinking about this later and I began to think that perhaps I had been a bit hasty with my criticism of both my friend and of Dylan by dismissing this song so easily.  As a person who is lucky enough to have a child of my own I can certainly vouch for the fact that the presence of a child in your life changes you utterly in almost every way if you are a loving parent.  

There is absolutely nothing you would not do for this little person to ensure that they feel loved and protected and special.  Your entire perspective on life changes and where once your focus was  entirely devoted to meeting your own needs and desires, your focus shifts, almost overnight, to meeting all the needs and desires of your child.  I would imagine that any person who has had a child that they love will understand what I am saying here and more besides. This need to protect and nurture is something that is usually shared by both parents.

Before I proceed any further with this article I would like to state that even though I will make references to the joy and fulfilment involved in having children and how these emotions change us intrinsically, I am in no way ignoring or being dismissive of the fact that this is not always the case.  There are millions of babies born in the world every day who, for a variety of reasons, are not wanted or loved or welcomed and I am not forgetting this at all.  As an adoptive mother, I know, very clearly that in order for us to have been given the gift of parenthood, it came at a massive cost to a person or persons who we will never know or be able to express our profound gratitude to. Yet, to this day, there are thousands of babies and young children in orphanages around Vietnam or out on the streets alone or working as child labourers in the most deadly conditions.  Many of them will not make it into their teens. And this is just Vietnam.  The bigger picture is truly horrifying and I feel the need to acknowledge this just because there is nobody to write a song for them.

In my case our daughter was adopted from Hanoi in Vietnam when she was just three months old.  When you go through an adoption process that takes over three years I can tell you that when you finally hold your baby in your arms you want to shout it from the rooftops with just as much vigour as any parents who have given birth to their child. Surely, Dylan must have felt some of this overwhelming joy and elation following the birth of his children.  I am sure that he must also have experienced that huge emotional shift that I have described when he felt the real love of a parent for their child.  

There is a lot of written material about the different ‘stages’ of Dylan’s music encompassing the early traditional folk through to the protest songs, going electric, religious influences etc. etc. There is a great deal of debate about how he was changing as a person as his music evolved and as he began to experience new and challenging aspects of life.  

But, I am going to throw the cat among the pigeons here by saying that nothing changes the persona of someone more than having or losing a child.  There are so many successful artists who have written songs dedicated to their children because of this huge need to ‘tell the world’ that a miracle has happened.  What is refreshing about most of these songs is their simplicity and genuine good intentions towards children.  It is as if this kind of love is so great that it cannot be contained and in this case, for a musician, the obvious thing to do is write a song about it. (If I were to provide a list of such songs it would take forever but I will compile a short list which you can read after the conclusion of this article and by all means add to if you wish.)

There is a song called ‘The Joy of Living’, written by the late Ewan MacColl, father of the late Kirsty MacColl, and a wonderful songwriter.  I would like to share a verse with you.  There are two reasons for this.  The first is because it is an amazing piece of writing and the second reason is that there is something about this verse that is reminiscent of parts of Dylan’s, ‘Forever Young’.  There are four verses in this song.  In the first he is bidding farewell to the land and the landscape in which he has lived his life. In the second verse he is bidding farewell to his beloved wife.  In the third verse, which I will show you, he is bidding farewell to his children and finally in the last verse he is coming home.  The song was written when the man was terminally ill.

The Joy of Living by Ewan MacColl;  3 rd Verse

Farewell to you my chicks, soon you must fly alone Flesh of my flesh, my future life, bone of my bone May your wings be strong, may your days be long, safe  be your journey Each of you bears inside of you the gift of love May it bring you light and warmth and the pleasure of  giving Eagerly savour each new day and the taste of its mouth Never lose sight of the thrill And the joy of living

The intention here is so clear and also sad in the context in which it was written although, ironically, it was not meant to be heard as a sad song, quite the opposite in fact.

Dylan has six children. Jesse, Anna Lea, Samuel, Jakob, Maria (adopted) and Desiree.  He had four children with his first wife Sara Lownds as well as adopting her daughter, Maria, from a prior marriage. He had another child (Desiree) after he divorced Lownds with Carolyn Dennis, a backing singer who he married in 1986 and subsequently divorced in 1992.  

Evidently Dylan said that he wrote the song, Forever Young, while on tour as he was missing his sons.  It was released on the album ‘Planet Waves’, 1974 and the song was recorded twice, the first in the slower rhythm with which most people are familiar and a second, more upbeat version on the reverse side of the album.

The joy and attraction to this song is, in a way, because of its sheer honesty and clarity. The emotion and wish that he is expressing is nothing that most parents would not want for their children and we are drawn to this song because Dylan expresses this emotion with such sincerity and accessibility.  Dylan has found a way to express this wish or prayer if you like in the most extraordinary manner while keeping things as ordinary as they can be.

Although it reads as a prayer from the start…

‘May God bless and keep you always’

this is not a religious song.    

Across many cultures the ‘blessing’ of a baby takes on many different forms and practices but it is generally common to acknowledge and celebrate the birth of a baby in most cultures.  In this case it does not really matter that Dylan asks that God be the one to protect his child, the important thing is that he wants his child protected and calls in God to help.

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

The last two lines are sage advice to give to anyone, adult or child.  It shows how Dylan himself has learned that one must be able to both give and receive love in equal measure to be a rounded human being.  It seems like a simple lesson and yet so many people go through life without ever fully getting this.

May you build a ladder to the stars And climb on every rung May you stay forever young Forever young, forever young May you stay forever young

Of all the lines in this song, right or wrong, these are the ones that most people will remember if you mention it. And there is no great surprise in this.  What greater wish to have for your child than to hope they will reach the highest heights but not just by leaping up there. Yet again, Dylan is telling the child that he wants him to reach his fullest potential, to reach the stars but not without climbing on every rung along the way.  So, Dylan is not carried away so much that he is wishing his child’s life will be a piece of cake.  Yes, reach the top, but learn every lesson you can along the way – climb on every rung.

May you grow up to be righteous May you grow up to be true May you always know the truth And see the lights surrounding you May you always be courageous Stand upright and be strong May you stay forever young

I think we can learn a lot about Dylan from these lyrics.  This verse is not all up in the air dealing with wishes and dreams.  It is about important values that he would like the child to have as he grows older.  Of course, the values that we crave for our children are quite often the values that we either pride in ourselves or wish for in ourselves.  Here, values like righteousness, truth, courage and strength of character are immediately identifiable as characteristics that have always been important to Dylan and have been at the backbone of much of his work as a writer and activist. He has first-hand knowledge of how difficult it can be to hold your ground when you are on the wrong side of the tracks.  He knows how important it is to seek out justice and truth and to have the courage of your convictions even when you are scared.  This verse is a challenge more than a prayer I think for if, in fact, all these wishes come true, the subject has his work cut out for him and the daunting task of living up to a father who made good on all of these challenges.

May 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 May you stay forever young

There are two distinctly different themes in this last verse of the song.  In the first four lines Dylan still occupies the role of father as role model, giving advice based on what he believes is the right thing to do.  Have a good work ethic.  Be prepared for the twists and turns that life will inevitably throw at you and never sell yourself short or lose the courage of your convictions. The times are always a-changin’. Stay grounded and hold on to your beliefs.

But in the second half of this verse he lightens up again and, while knowing it is not realistically possible, he wishes for his son that his heart will always be joyful and that his song will always be sung.  These lines, like the opening lines of the song, are indicative of the immense surge of emotion Dylan is feeling towards his son and after all has been said and done, he just wants him to be happy. He has done his duty as a good father by giving guidance and now it is time just to cherish the wonder of his baby and all he wants for him.   

This is a beautifully composed love song or lullaby where we see how Dylan takes full responsibility for his role as a father.  As a song, it has always been well received and appreciated by an audience that is wider than just Dylan fans.  It is easy to see why as it delivers such a universal message.  

Unfortunately, with any of Dylan’s songs that become popular in the mainstream, they can end up being a little dismissed or side-lined by hard-core Dylan fans but I think it would be a mistake to dismiss this song too easily.  After all, there is a lot to be learned about Dylan by looking closely at the lyrics and it is certainly a good way of gauging where Dylan was emotionally placed at that time.

With regard to the music, I personally love the melody in this song but have always found the choruses very jarring.

Forever young, forever young May you stay forever young

The verses are so gentle and then the choruses come in like a bombshell, no longer asking that his child stays forever young but demanding it.  Maybe it is just me.  I am also intrigued as to why Dylan chose to include an ‘upbeat’ recording of the song on the same album.  We know that Dylan has never looked forward to ageing himself.  He has said, and I quote, ‘People don’t retire, they fade away, they run out of steam’.  It is easy to see that a man who is now in his seventies but who insists on doing live concerts which are sometimes criticised terribly, is desperately trying to hold on to something.  Steam perhaps? Could this upbeat version of the song have something to do with that? Staying forever young?

Here’s that list of songs I mentioned near the start…

Paul Simon ‘Father and Daughter’, Harry Chapin ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’, Neil Young ‘Here for You’, Stevie Wonder ‘Isn’t she lovely’, John Lennon ‘Beautiful Boy’, David Bowie ‘Kooks’, Lenny Kravitz ‘Flowers for Zoe’, U2 ‘Original of the Species’, Thin Lizzy ‘Sarah’, Eric Clapton ‘Tears in Heaven’, Joan Baez ‘A Young Gypsy’…

  • The earlier review of Forever Young
  • All the songs reviewed on this site
  • Dylan Songs in Chronological order

Thank you. Wish I could have found the words to express what has been in my heart all these years for my now adult children.

It didn’t take a genius, or a whole lot of thinking to discern that this is a legacy song to our adult children. I cry many tears every time I hear this song, and it remains one of the favorites in my list of Joan Baez and Bob Dylan legacy songs. May they stay Forever Young, as well as myself and my grown children.

My daughter is at that pivotal age of 16, about the time for this song. She is right here beside me relaxing and I’m loving it. I never knew how close a song could touch the core of your heart. Rod Stewart’s version breaks my heart as it is from a father to his daughter. I will play it for her one day, but I’m not quite able to yet. I love that it took first one of the master poets of our age and a Scotsman to create for me, the song for my daughter. James Taylor wrote the song for my wife :Only One.

HI Charles, I’m a lover of music in general and count Dylan as a master of lyrics.Rod Stewart has done many covers and with Forever Young I think it has been done well.As a father I remember seeing the video a fair bit and on one occasion i have to admit it bought a tear to my eye.The power of the written word eh! It was a bundle of thoughts that came rushing as the song played,reminding me of my daughter as a sweet baby and growing through different stages and the laughter and tears we all experience when raising our offspring.Stewart’s cover of Only A Hobo is a quality recording too,it seems Dylan is the teacher and Stewart the pupil like many others.

Mostly agree with analysis of the song but c’mon. Dylan an activist? Maybe for 10 minutes in the early sixties but he moved on leaving others to carry the load. He reportedly told Baez that what made them different was that she believed you could effect change and he did not.

Hello there, Thank you for posting this analysis of a song from Bob Dylan’s Music Box: http://thebobdylanproject.com/Song/id/196/Forever-Young Come and join us inside and listen to every song composed, recorded or performed by Bob Dylan, plus all the great covers streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Deezer and SoundCloud plus so much more… including this link.

This hits so close to home now. I lost both of my daughters in law this year. One was 54, and the other was just 47. I also lost a friend, to murder, and she was only 49. There were other deaths in my circle, but these three were the youngest. And they will be “Forever Young” in my heart.

Patty I am so sorry to hear that. I know that nothing can ever compensate for such losses but hope that you do find support through music – and indeed in other ways – to see you through such times.

I recommend this essay for a unique take on the song:

https://sulfurfreejesus.wordpress.com/2017/03/13/forever-young/

Very interesting and considering Dylan’s spiritual journey, makes sense. That doesn’t mean the song isn’t to a son, only that it is very probably informed by his own Christian experience and private religious journey. Dylan often draws from sources outside his own creative imagination and then morphs them with his artistry. He is likely familiar with the Bible and was influenced by it in Forever Young.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Forever Young

Forever Young

Journey  by  Carmichael Musiclover

Song   ·   4:32   ·   English

2018 Carmichael Musiclover

More from Journey

You might like, currently trending songs, top songs by same artists, top songs by same actors, antoine carmichael, carmichael musiclover.

Listen to Forever Young online. Forever Young is an English language song and is sung by Carmichael Musiclover. Forever Young, from the album Journey, was released in the year 2018. The duration of the song is 4:32. Download English songs online from JioSaavn.

4m 32s   ·   English

FAQs for Forever Young

MelodyInsight

JAY-Z (Ft. Mr. Hudson) – “Young Forever” Lyrics Meaning

Photo of author

Joanna holds a BSc in English Literature and uses her expertise in literary analysis to uncover the deeper meaning of her favorite songs.

“Young Forever” is about the desire to capture and hold onto youth’s fleeting moments. JAY-Z reminisces about the golden days and the urge to live in the present, savoring each moment. The song touches on the inevitability of aging but clings to the hope of keeping a youthful spirit alive. It’s not just about JAY-Z’s personal journey but resonates with anyone who has ever yearned for the past. Written as a celebration of life, the song underscores the importance of creating memories that last a lifetime.

Curious about JAY-Z’s take on youth and memories? Stick around as we break down the vibes of “Young Forever.”

“Young Forever” Lyrics Meaning

“Can I get some light in here? Cellphones in the air…” The opening lines set the mood – an atmosphere of a live concert, a space where time feels suspended. Here, JAY-Z is not just a global icon; he’s a storyteller, capturing the essence of the moment.

The chorus, with Mr. Hudson’s melancholic tone, stresses the universal wish – the craving to be “forever young.” It’s a sentiment most, if not all, can relate to. Who hasn’t wanted to freeze and live in a perfect day forever? “So we live a life like a video…” JAY-Z paints a picture of an idealized life. It’s glamorous and carefree. The sun’s always shining, the champagne’s always cold, and life is just one long party. But it’s not all superficial. The line “Without a wrinkle in today ‘Cause there is no tomorrow” hits deep. It’s a nod to living in the present, a reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised.

“…all we have to do is hit rewind.” A reference to nostalgia, JAY-Z highlights the power of memories. In our minds, we can go back to any moment, relive any memory, and in that space, we’re forever young. “Slamming Bentley doors…” gives us a glimpse into JAY-Z’s life. From luxury cars to featuring on Forbes, it’s a world many dream of. But it’s not all glam. With fame comes criticism, and JAY-Z acknowledges that with “Niggas thought I lost it, they be talking more shit.” But he remains unfazed. His legacy, he believes, will stand the test of time.

The song closes with a shoutout to Beyoncé and an inspiring message: “Don’t be good, Brooklyn, be great.” It’s classic JAY-Z, always pushing for excellence, always aiming for the stars.

The Story Behind “Young Forever”

JAY-Z, born Shawn Carter, has always been more than just a rapper; he’s a storyteller, a reflection of the culture, and at times, its conscience. By the time “Young Forever” was released, he was already an established mogul, but like all artists, the journey was laden with its share of battles, triumphs, and reflections.

“Young Forever,” featured on JAY-Z’s 2009 album “The Blueprint 3,” is a track that seems to be introspective for the rapper. Around this time, he was entering a new phase in his life. He had just crossed over to his 40s, a time when most people are caught in a whirlwind of midlife reflections. Besides the personal changes, JAY-Z witnessed the evolution of the hip-hop genre and the changes in the world around him.

The song heavily samples Alphaville’s 1984 hit “Forever Young,” which is a classic ode to youth and the uncertainty of the future. JAY-Z’s choice to incorporate this particular track could indicate his personal reflections on aging in an industry that’s perpetually obsessed with the ‘next big thing’.

Moreover, during this period, JAY-Z was not just an artist but also a businessman with multiple ventures. There’s a weight that comes with such success. The legacy you leave behind, the mark you make, and the desire to remain relevant – all these aspects likely played a role in the creation of “Young Forever.”

In the end, the song isn’t just JAY-Z’s wish to remain young forever. It’s an anthem for all those who yearn for their prime days and the desire to capture moments that make us feel eternally youthful.

Related posts:

  • Kendrick Lamar – “Rich Spirit” Lyrics Meaning
  • Sade – “Is It a Crime?” Lyrics Meaning
  • Thundercat – “Them Changes” Lyrics Meaning
  • Frou Frou – “A New Kind of Love” Lyrics Meaning

Understand your favorite songs.

Our mission is to analyze your favorite songs and share the story behind them.

© 2024 MelodyInsight

Jiggy Forever

April 12, 2024 16 Songs, 11 minutes ℗ 2024 Chocolate City Music

More By Young Jonn

Featured on.

Apple Music African

Apple Music Dance

Apple Music Fitness

Apple Music

Select a country or region

Africa, middle east, and india.

  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Niger (English)
  • Congo, Republic of
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania, United Republic Of
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab Emirates

Asia Pacific

  • Indonesia (English)
  • Lao People's Democratic Republic
  • Malaysia (English)
  • Micronesia, Federated States of
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Solomon Islands
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • France (Français)
  • Deutschland
  • Luxembourg (English)
  • Moldova, Republic Of
  • North Macedonia
  • Portugal (Português)
  • Türkiye (English)
  • United Kingdom

Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina (Español)
  • Bolivia (Español)
  • Virgin Islands, British
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile (Español)
  • Colombia (Español)
  • Costa Rica (Español)
  • República Dominicana
  • Ecuador (Español)
  • El Salvador (Español)
  • Guatemala (Español)
  • Honduras (Español)
  • Nicaragua (Español)
  • Paraguay (Español)
  • St. Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • St. Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos
  • Uruguay (English)
  • Venezuela (Español)

The United States and Canada

  • Canada (English)
  • Canada (Français)
  • United States
  • Estados Unidos (Español México)
  • الولايات المتحدة
  • États-Unis (Français France)
  • Estados Unidos (Português Brasil)
  • 美國 (繁體中文台灣)

COMMENTS

  1. Journey

    Movie: Vision Quest (1985)

  2. Journey

    Music video by Journey performing Only The Young (Audio). (C) 1985 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

  3. Journey

    [Verse 1] Another night in any town You can hear the thunder of their cry Ahead of their time They wonder why In the shadows of a golden age A generation waits for dawn Brave carry on Bold and the ...

  4. Journey

    Enjoy the classic rock song "I'm Forever Yours" by Journey, one of the most popular bands of the 1980s. Watch the official music video and sing along with the lyrics. If you love this song, you ...

  5. How a Leftover Song Changed Journey Forever

    How a Leftover Song Changed Journey Forever. "Only the Young" became an inspirational touchstone, a homecoming spark, then an in-concert triumph. But first, it got left off one of Journey 's ...

  6. Only the Young (Journey song)

    Only the Young (Journey song) " Only the Young " is a song written by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry and Neal Schon of the band Journey. Previously intended for Journey's 1983 album Frontiers, it was pulled from the album within days of recording in favor of songs "Back Talk" and "Troubled Child". It was then sold to the band Scandal, who released ...

  7. Journey

    Scandal didn't release the song as a single. The song had a tremendous impact on a 16 year-old boy and subsequently changed Cain, Perry, and Schon's lives forever: The first individual outside the band to hear the song was sixteen-year-old Kenny Sykaluk of Rocky River, Ohio, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

  8. Journey

    0:00 / 0:00. "Only the Young" is a song written by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon of the band Journey. It was featured on the soundtrack to the 1985 film Visi...

  9. Journey

    Only the Young Lyrics. "Time³", or Time Cubed, is a box set of three CDs that go in chronological order through the "time", from 1975-to-1992, of the "journey". It includes both ...

  10. Journey's 'Only the Young' Gets Lyric Update in New Cover

    The Miraculous Kids of Afghanistan covered Journey's 'Only the Young' — see how Steve Perry reacted to their lyrical change in September 2023. ... How a Leftover Song Changed Journey Forever.

  11. Journey

    Journey had their biggest commercial success between 1978 and 1987, when Steve Perry was lead vocalist; they released a series of hit songs, including "Don't Stop Believin'" (1981), which in 2009 became the top-selling track in iTunes history among songs not released in the 21st century. Reúne los más grandes éxitos de la banda.

  12. Journey

    [Verse 1] Highway run into the midnight sun Wheels go 'round and 'round, you're on my mind Restless hearts, sleep alone tonight Sendin' all my love along the wire [Pre-Chorus] They say that the ...

  13. Forever Young

    May you build a ladder to the stars. And climb on every rung. May you stay forever young. May you stay forever young. May 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.

  14. Journey

    Official HD video for "Faithfully' by JourneyListen to Journey: https://journey.lnk.to/listenYDWatch more Journey videos: https://Journey.lnk.to/listenYD/you...

  15. The Meaning Behind The Song: Forever Young by Alphaville

    The Meaning: The meaning behind Forever Young is both simple and profound. On the surface, the song is asking us to never give up on our youthful spirit. That we should enjoy life, dance in style, and watch the skies while we still can. The song is asking us to live in the moment and to not take ourselves too seriously.

  16. Forever Young: the meaning of the lyrics

    Farewell to you my chicks, soon you must fly alone. Flesh of my flesh, my future life, bone of my bone. May your wings be strong, may your days be long, safe be your journey. Each of you bears inside of you the gift of love. May it bring you light and warmth and the pleasure of giving.

  17. The Meaning Behind The Song: Forever Young by Bob Dylan

    The meaning of "Forever Young" is a personal one that can be different for each individual listener. The song's message is a universal one, but it is up to each person to interpret it in a way that is meaningful to them. Bob Dylan intended for the song to have a positive and encouraging message, but he also wanted the listener to have the ...

  18. Forever Young

    Forever Young is an English language song and is sung by Carmichael Musiclover. Forever Young, from the album Journey, was released in the year 2018. The duration of the song is 4:32.

  19. Journey

    From The Original Motion Picture Soundtarck - " Vision Quest " From the band that defines the word AOR

  20. The Meaning Behind The Song: Young Forever (English Translated) by BTS

    Young Forever is a poignant and heartfelt song by the South Korean boy band, BTS. The song was released in 2016 as a part of their special album, "Youth.". Its powerful lyrics and captivating melody have resonated with fans all around the world, delving into the concept of youth, the fleeting nature of time, and the desire to hold onto ...

  21. JAY-Z (Ft. Mr. Hudson)

    By the time "Young Forever" was released, he was already an established mogul, but like all artists, the journey was laden with its share of battles, triumphs, and reflections. "Young Forever," featured on JAY-Z's 2009 album "The Blueprint 3," is a track that seems to be introspective for the rapper.

  22. ‎Jiggy Forever

    Listen to Jiggy Forever by Young Jonn on Apple Music. 2024. 16 Songs. Duration: 11 minutes. Album · 2024 · 16 Songs. Home; Browse; Radio; Search; Open in Music. Jiggy Forever . Young Jonn. AFROBEATS · PRE-RELEASE · APRIL 12, 2024 . Preview. April 12, 2024 16 Songs, 11 minutes ℗ 2024 Chocolate City Music. More By Young Jonn . Love is Not ...

  23. The Meaning Behind The Song: Forever Young by Becky Hill

    Yes, Forever Young has a captivating music video that perfectly portrays the song's themes. In the video, Becky Hill is seen exploring different landscapes, symbolizing the journey of life. The video beautifully captures the essence of the song, showcasing moments of vulnerability, joy, and resilience.

  24. Rod Stewart

    Official music video for Rod Stewart - "Forever Young" from 'Out of Order' (1988)🎼 Listen to more Rod Stewart here: https://rhino.lnk.to/RodStewartStr📺 Wat...