Introduction
“Remember When” is a heartfelt country ballad written and performed by American artist Alan Jackson. Released on October 27, 2003, as the second and final single from his compilation album Greatest Hits Volume II, the song quickly resonated with audiences, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in February 2004 and peaking at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 .
The song serves as an autobiographical reflection on Jackson’s life with his wife, Denise. It chronicles their journey from youthful romance through the trials and triumphs of marriage and parenthood, culminating in the anticipation of growing old together. The lyrics poignantly capture the essence of enduring love and shared memories, making it one of Jackson’s most beloved tracks .
Critically acclaimed for its sincerity and emotional depth, “Remember When” was described by Billboard as “the most poignant, well-written country song to hit the format in a long time” . The accompanying music video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, features Jackson performing the song interspersed with home movie footage, further emphasizing the personal nature of the track .
Over the years, “Remember When” has maintained its popularity, achieving four-times platinum certification by the RIAA as of May 22, 2023 . Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of love, family, and the passage of time, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in country music.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
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 when
[Verse 2]
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, and there was hurt
Remember when
[Verse 3]
Remember when
Old ones died and the new were born
And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged
We came together, fell apart
And broke each other’s hearts
Remember when
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 4]
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
[Verse 5]
Remember when
Thirty seemed so old
Now looking back, it’s just a stepping stone
To where we are, where we’ve been
Said we’d do it all again
Remember when
[Verse 6]
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
[Outro]
Remember when
Remember when