About the song
“Remember When” is a heartfelt ballad by country music icon Alan Jackson, released in 2003 as the second single from his compilation album, Greatest Hits Volume II. The song quickly became a fan favorite, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for two weeks in February 2004 and reaching number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place as one of Jackson’s most beloved and cherished tracks.
Penned by Jackson himself, “Remember When” is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the power of love, and the bittersweet memories that shape our lives. The song’s lyrics traverse the decades, painting vivid vignettes of youthful innocence, the joys and trials of marriage, the heartache of loss, and the enduring bond of family. Jackson’s evocative storytelling and heartfelt vocals capture the essence of nostalgia, transporting listeners back to moments both cherished and bittersweet.
The song’s production complements its lyrical depth, with a warm, inviting arrangement that perfectly underscores Jackson’s emotive delivery. The gentle strumming of acoustic guitars, the subtle swells of pedal steel, and the steady pulse of the drums create a comforting backdrop for Jackson’s voice, allowing his words to resonate with profound emotional impact.
“Remember When” has garnered critical acclaim for its songwriting, vocals, and production, earning Jackson a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2005. The song’s commercial success is equally impressive, selling over 1.5 million copies in the United States and achieving platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Beyond its chart-topping accolades and commercial success, “Remember When” has resonated deeply with listeners worldwide, becoming a staple of country radio and a cherished addition to personal playlists. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke universal emotions, capturing the bittersweet beauty of life’s journey and the enduring power of love and memory. With its timeless message and heartfelt delivery, “Remember When” is a true country music classic, destined to continue touching hearts for generations to come.
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Lyrics
Remember when I was young and so were you
And time stood still and love was all we knew
You were the first, so was I
We made love and then you cried
Remember whenRemember when we vowed the vows
And walk the walk
Gave our hearts, made the start, it was hard
We lived and learned, life threw curves
There was joy, there was hurt
Remember whenRemember when old ones died and new were born
And life was changed, dissassembled, rearranged
We came together, fell apart
And broke each other’s hearts
Remember whenRemember 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 whenRemember 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