The studio album Planet Waves (1974) was Bob Dylan’s first record, recorded after more than a three-year pause and already on a new label.
The most famous track from this work of the famous singer is the composition Forever Young, presented on the album in two versions at once.
The history of creation and the meaning of the song Forever Young – Bob Dylan
According to Dylan himself, he composed it thinking about one of his sons, but did not specify who it was. Jacob Dylan, the youngest of Bob’s four children and leader of the American band The Wallflowers, was convinced that Forever Young was dedicated to him.
The lyrics of Forever Young are a father’s blessing, wishing the child all the best in life. Haylin Clinton, Bob Dylan’s biographer, described it as “an attempt to write something spiritual and candid about him as a father.”
Recording and release
Dylan was very demanding of Forever Young. Although the rough soundtrack of the song was ready a few months before the start of work on the album, in the studio he could not record a version that would completely suit him.
On November 8, already at the end of the session, he performed another version of the song, and everyone present realized that this was a 100% hit. However, Bob was still unhappy with the result. Only the pleas of recording engineer Rob Fraboni and friends present in the studio led him to include this version of Forever Young on the album.
However, Dylan didn’t stop there. A few days later he recorded Forever Young (Continued) in a different arrangement, using mandolin and violin. But music critics and fans of Bob Dylan’s work are unanimous that the first version of the song is still more successful.
Clip Forever Young Dylan
Let’s watch an impromptu video clip for the song online.
Subsequently, Forever Young became one of Dylan’s classic songs. It has been covered by Joan Baez, Diana Ross, The Pretenders, Meat Loaf and others.
Interesting Facts
- A song with the same name, similar melody and lyrics was recorded by Rod Stewart. He not only did not deny borrowing, but even agreed to share the royalties.
- Illustrator Paul Rogers published a children’s book called “Forever Young” based on the lyrics of the song.
- In 2009, Pepsi used the remix of “Forever Young” in an advertisement for their drink.
Forever Young Lyrics
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes 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 run
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 change 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 Bob Dylan
May the Lord bless and keep you
Let your dreams come true
May you create for the benefit of others,
And others will help you
May you build a staircase to the stars
And climb the last step
May you be forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you be forever young
May you grow up pious
May you grow up sincere
May truth always be with you,
And you will be surrounded by lights
May you always be courageous
Can you stand up straight and be strong
May you be forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you be forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
Let there be a strong foundation under you,
When the winds of change blow
May there always be joy in your heart
May your song always sound
May you be forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you be forever young
Song quote
I wrote it thinking about one of my boys and not wanting to be too sentimental.
Bob Dylan
