Alan Jackson – Remember When

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Remember When by Alan Jackson. Released in 1991 on his Greatest Hits Volume II album, this poignant ballad became an instant classic, solidifying Jackson’s place as a country music mainstay. It’s a song that resonates deeply, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling within the genre.

Jackson, a baritone with a smooth drawl and a knack for crafting relatable narratives, isn’t known for elaborate production or flashy theatrics. Instead, his music relies on heartfelt lyrics and a genuine connection with his audience. Remember When is a prime example of this. Working alongside producer Keith Stegall, Jackson weaves a tapestry of shared memories, taking the listener on a nostalgic journey through the various stages of a long-term relationship.

The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming a familiar chord progression, setting the stage for Jackson’s signature vocals. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of youthful love, the innocence and intensity of those early days. “Remember when I was young and so were you / And time stood still and love was all we knew?” Jackson sings, immediately transporting us to a simpler time.

But Remember When isn’t simply a trip down memory lane. It acknowledges the inevitable challenges that come with life’s journey. “We lived and learned, life threw curves / There was joy, there was hurt,” Jackson croons, reminding us that relationships are a constant ebb and flow. The song doesn’t shy away from the heartbreak and loss that can occur, but it also celebrates the resilience of love and commitment.

The melody takes a subtle shift as Jackson reflects on the arrival of children. “Remember when the sound of little feet / Was the music we danced to week to week,” he sings, his voice softening with a touch of paternal pride. This new chapter brings a renewed sense of purpose and joy, reinforcing the bonds that hold the couple together.

As the song progresses, the tempo picks up slightly, reflecting on the passage of time. “Remember when thirty seemed so old / Now lookin’ back it’s just a stepping stone,” Jackson observes. The perspective shifts, offering a glimpse of wisdom gained through experience.

Remember When culminates in a declaration of enduring love and commitment. “We said we’d do it all again,” Jackson sings, his voice filled with quiet confidence. The final verse evokes a sense of peace and acceptance, a quiet satisfaction with the life they’ve built together. “We won’t be sad, we’ll be glad / For all the life we’ve had / And we’ll remember when,” he concludes, leaving the listener with a warm, sentimental feeling.

Remember When is more than just a country song; it’s a universal story about love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. It’s a song that resonates with couples of all ages, a reminder to cherish the memories and face the future together. It’s no wonder this ballad continues to be a fan favorite, a staple on country radio, and a testament to Alan Jackson’s enduring legacy.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Remember When”

Remember when
We vowed the vows and walked the walk
Gave our hearts, made the start, and it was hard
We lived and learned life threw curves
There was joy, there was hurt
Remember when

Remember when
Old ones died and new were born
And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged
We came together, fell apart
And broke each other’s hearts
Remember when

Remember when
The sound of little feet was the music
We danced to week to week
Brought back the love, we found trust
Vowed we’d never give it up
Remember when

Remember when
Thirty seemed so old now lookin’ back
It’s just a steppin’ stone
To where we are, where we’ve been
Said we’d do it all again
Remember when

Remember when
We said when we turned gray
When the children grow up and move away
We won’t be sad, we’ll be glad
For all the life we’ve had
And we’ll remember when

Remember when
Remember when