CLICK HERE to listen to the song on YouTube.
(This is a recording of the slower version of the song.)
(This is a recording of the slower version of the song.)
This song was originally written and performed by Bob Dylan. Some critics said he didn't have all that great of a singing voice. Maybe it wasn't as melodious-sounding as some other people's voices. However, the message in this song is incredibly powerful. I don't think he was literally advocating living forever, or even being irresponsible/childish in perpetuity. My best guess is that he meant that the way to 'true happiness' is trying to hold onto the good parts of what youth has to offer. For example, such things as, (but not limited to):
- firm belief that we can make a difference for the better, however small, in whatever environment we may find ourselves in.
- An unshakeable faith in the basic moral decency of most human beings.
- An unquenchable thirst for the distribution of fairness/equality/justice to all human beings.
- A strong desire to see others 'succeed' in life without caring too awful much about whether or not we ever get a bunch of accolades or recognition for ourselves.
Here are the words/lyrics (as found using the most readily accessible search engine):
"Forever Young"
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 light 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
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
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 light 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
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
