Forever and ever young

Although Bob Dylan and his record label thought enough of "Forever Young" to have two versions of it appear on the 1974 album, Planet Waves, "Forever Young" was never released as a single in the U.S. and was not for many years considered among his most popular songs.  Things have changed.

Dylan kept "Forever Young" at the forefront of may fans' minds by performing it nearly 500 times in concert during the past 39 years.  In fact, according to his official web site, there are only 27 songs he has performed more often, which says a lot considering Dylan has several hundred titles in his catalog.  In recent years, the song seems to have captured more attention than it did during the first 30-35 years after its release.  Certainly, it has become a soundtrack in many lives, including mine.

Norah Jones sang "Forever Young" at Steve Jobs' memorial concert in October 2011, just a few years after a remix of it was used in a soda commercial and the song was heard on a few television series episodes.  Earlier this month, my wife and son danced to the song during his wedding.  This past Saturday night at another wedding, I saw a bride dance with her father to it.  Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz said it is among his favorite Dylan lyrics and performed the song twice this weekend, once for a father and his new college graduate daughter, and once for Trayvon Martin.

Dylan most likely wrote the lyrics for his own children, who were very young at the time.  The song has a strong emotional appeal to many people, sometimes bringing a tear to an eye, sometimes a smile to a face, sometimes both.  In a very touching way, it captures the hopes of parents for their children, the elderly for the young; the cycle of life.  It is truly a timeless song.

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
Forever young, 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 lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young

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
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young

"Forever Young" lyrics by Bob Dylan
copyright © 1973 by Ram's Horn Music;
renewed 2001 by Ram’s Horn Music