Introduction
“Remember When” is a powerful and deeply personal ballad written and recorded solely by Alan Jackson, released in October 2003 as the second—and ultimately final—single from his compilation Greatest Hits Volume II . Produced by longtime collaborator Keith Stegall, the song diverges from a standard greatest-hits tracklist by offering a fresh, reflective piece that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The song weaves a life‑long love story, beginning, “Remember when I was young and so were you,” and tracing the journey through youthful vows, trials, triumphs, parenthood, and later, growing old together . Jackson’s lyrics are tender yet honest, touching on learning curves and deepening bonds—capturing not just moments, but emotional truths shared by many.
Upon release, “Remember When” swiftly rose to No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in late 2003, holding the top spot for two weeks. It also climbed to No. 29 on the all‑genre Billboard Hot 100 . Critics praised its sincerity; Billboard described it as “the most poignant, well written country song to hit the format in a long time”.
The music video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, complements the song’s nostalgic mood: Alan, seated and solemn, performs alongside grainy home‑movie footage of his childhood and life with his wife Denise, culminating in tender dance scenes that underscore the lyrics . Its authenticity helped forge a deep connection with listeners.
Over the years, “Remember When” has become one of Jackson’s most enduring works—not just for fans, but also for Jackson himself. In recent performances, especially during his 2024–25 final tour, the song took on added poignancy when Denise joined him onstage for an intimate slow dance—marking over 45 years since their high‑school romance began .
More than two decades after its debut, “Remember When” endures as a heartfelt chronicle of love and life’s journey—an anthem of remembrance and reflection.
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