Introduction
“Remember When” stands as one of Alan Jackson’s most poignant and enduring ballads, first released in October 2003 as the second and final single from his compilation album Greatest Hits Volume II. Written and recorded by Jackson himself, the song achieved immediate commercial success, spending two weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in February 2004 and climbing to No. 29 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100—a notable feat for a traditional country ballad in the early 2000s . Its placement on a greatest-hits package underscores how quickly “Remember When” became an essential part of Jackson’s repertoire, cementing its status as both a radio staple and a fan favorite.
Beyond its chart performance, “Remember When” is deeply autobiographical, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Jackson’s wife, Denise, whom he first met at a Dairy Queen in their hometown of Newnan, Georgia, in 1976 and married three years later . Across verses marked by simple, warm acoustic guitar and subtle steel-guitar accents, Jackson reflects on milestones of married life—first dates, wedding days, raising children, and the bittersweet passage of time. His understated vocal delivery and the song’s unassuming production allow the universal themes of love, family, and memory to resonate with listeners, whether they’re celebrating anniversaries or simply recalling life’s tender moments.
Critically, “Remember When” garnered significant industry recognition. It earned a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2004 Country Music Association Awards, where Jackson was also a seven-time nominee—highlighting the song’s craftsmanship alongside his broader impact that year . Over the past two decades, the ballad has remained a fixture at weddings and anniversaries, its nostalgic lyrics inviting audiences to pause and cherish shared histories. As Jackson himself noted on the song’s twentieth anniversary, “I never expected a love song so personal to become something that touched so many lives,” a testament to the song’s ability to transform private memories into a collective experience .
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 whenBest headphones deals
[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