Forever Young

Album: Planet Waves

Release Date: 1974

When Planet Waves was released in late 1974, the album did not garner rave reviews. It is typically considered one of Dylan’s weaker efforts, despite the fact that it’s one of his collaborations with The Band, a group of backup musicians who had by now gained fame outside their affiliation with Dylan.

There are actually two versions of Forever Young on Planet Waves. The one most people are familiar with is the one on side 1, which is sung slowly. The other is a little more upbeat.

It is generally accepted that Dylan wrote this song after the birth of his first son. Dylan married Sarah Lownds in November, 1965. Less than 2 months later she gave birth to Jesse. In July of ‘66 he was involved in his famous motorcycle accident, and took a lot of time off from touring afterwards. He did not stop writing or recording however. Planet Waves was the ninth album to be released after Blonde on Blonde (although 2 were greatest hits compilations, they both contained newly recorded tracks).

Forever Young is certainly one of Dylan’s most poignant accomplishments, and remains one that evokes a great deal of emotion, even to this day.

Best Lyric: (I should probably just post the whole song, but I’ll go with the last verse)

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,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

like a complete unknown
ziggy

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