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Forever Young
Madness Lyrics


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Oh, there was a time when I was younger
When all the nights and days were long
And everyday just getting stronger
Like a sunflower in the sun
In the sun

Well Mr Moon is counting backwards
Make the waters ebb and flow
And all the things we could and should have done
But them old regrets well they'll come and go
Just come and go

So, stay forever young
Dont you do what I have done
Oh, stay forever young
Before paradise lost and innocence gone

See the freshness of your young face
Like a candle in the gloom
In the brightness in your smiling eyes
They're lighting up the room
The whole room

So stay forever young
Dont you do what I have done
Oh, stay forever young
Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

Oh stay forever young
Dont you do what I have done
Oh, stay forever young
Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

So stay forever young
Don't you do what I have done
Oh stay forever young
Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

Oh stay forever young
Don't you do what I have done
Oh stay forever young
Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

Before paradise lost
And innocence gone.

Overall Meaning

In "Forever Young," Madness reminisces about their youth and the feeling of invincibility that goes along with it. They long for the days when they were full of life, hope, and potential. The lyrics suggest a sense of regret for not making the most of those days, as they encourage the listener to stay forever young and not make the same mistakes they did.


The song also alludes to the passage of time with the mention of Mr. Moon counting backwards and the idea of old regrets coming and going. Despite this realization, the band holds out hope that one can stay forever young and hold on to innocence and paradise. The song seems to be a call to action, a plea to the listener to live every moment to the fullest.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, there was a time when I was younger
Reflecting on a time in the past when the singer was young


When all the nights and days were long
The days and nights felt endless, with plenty of time to experience life


And everyday just getting stronger
Each day felt like an opportunity to grow and build strength


Like a sunflower in the sun
The artist felt like they were thriving and flourishing, much like a sunflower in the sun


Well Mr Moon is counting backwards
The moon symbolizes time passing, and this line suggests a sense of nostalgia for the past


Make the waters ebb and flow
The singer is observing the natural rhythms of the world around them, and the passage of time


And all the things we could and should have done
Reflecting on past missed opportunities or regrets


But them old regrets well they'll come and go
Regrets may fade from memory, but they can resurface at any time


So, stay forever young
Advice to maintain youthful enthusiasm and energy


Dont you do what I have done
Learning from the artist's mistakes


Before paradise lost and innocence gone
Urging the listener to cherish their innocence and keep their sense of wonder alive


See the freshness of your young face
Appreciating the beauty and vibrancy of youth


Like a candle in the gloom
Suggesting that youth is a source of light and hope, even in difficult times


In the brightness in your smiling eyes
The singer is drawn to the energy and positivity they see in the listener's eyes


They're lighting up the room
The singer feels uplifted and energized by the presence of the listener


Before paradise lost
A reminder of the fleeting nature of innocence and joy


And innocence gone
Echoing the previous lines, a lament for the loss of youthful innocence and wonder


So stay forever young
Repeating the earlier advice to stay young and optimistic


Don't you do what I have done
Continuing to urge the listener to learn from the singer's mistakes


Before paradise lost and innocence gone
Final reminder to cherish youth and innocence while they still can




Contributed by Nolan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@jackvaughan7577

Good on Ya Sushi & Azure
Your got Great Taste in Music
I was only 12 when I discovered MADNESS aswell
All of 42 years ago
and something tells me they’ll still be
The Dogs B*ll*cks then also
Though they and I will be pushing up daisies
All the best Sushi
Jack Vaughan Tipperary Ireland



@estevaodemelo9655

there was a time when I was younger
When all the nights and days were long
And everyday just getting stronger
Like a sunflower in the sun
In the sun

Well Mr Moon is counting backwards
Make the waters ebb and flow
And all the things we could and should have done
But them old regrets well they'll come and go
Just come and go

So, stay forever young
Dont you do what I have done
Oh, stay forever young
Before paradise lost and innocence gone

See the freshness of your young face
Like a candle in the gloom
In the brightness of your smiling eyes
They're lighting up the room
The whole room

So stay forever young
Dont you do what I have done
Oh, stay forever young
Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

Oh stay forever young
Dont you do what I have done
Oh, stay forever young
Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

So stay forever young
Don't you do what I have done
Oh stay forever young
Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

Oh stay forever young
Don't you do what I have done
Oh stay forever young
Before paradise lost
And innocence gone

Before paradise lost
And innocence gone



All comments from YouTube:

@sushiloversgonecrazy6801

I am still very young, only 12, but i love Madness, it is my favorite band ever!!!

@futurefreak8789

You have taste my friend..they are a fantastic band

@azure2130

Im am 13, And you are very right!

@jackvaughan7577

Good on Ya Sushi & Azure
Your got Great Taste in Music
I was only 12 when I discovered MADNESS aswell
All of 42 years ago
and something tells me they’ll still be
The Dogs B*ll*cks then also
Though they and I will be pushing up daisies
All the best Sushi
Jack Vaughan Tipperary Ireland

@silviadelguercio5189

Wellcome baby

@DrGux

You kids just gave me hope about future.. I wish a long life full of Ska for all of you. Bless

1 More Replies...

@rogerkay8603

Quality...I could cry for the 80's right now.

@kennedydry1632

I would not say that. Beginning of the decade is still good, but then it becomes crappy : melodies, sound (analog to numeric, e-batteries etc), it all goes down

@NikNickNic

That's a super beautiful song. It touches me deeply. Tears well in my eyes as I sing along. Love it.

@gally9188

Madness were the first band I liked as 9 year old in 1980. It takes me back to when me and my mates went to see Take it or Leave it at the Cinema in Bishop Auckland when we were 10 yrs old, seeing the video accompanying this song makes me emotional.

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