A demo version of the song, recorded in New York City in June 1973, was included on Dylan's 1985 compilation Biograph. In the notes included with that album, Dylan is quoted as saying that he wrote "Forever Young" in Tucson, Arizona, "thinking about" one of his sons and "not wanting to be too sentimental".
A live version of the song, recorded in Tokyo on 28 February 1978 and included on Dylan's album Bob Dylan at Budokan, was released as a European single in 1979.
Bob Dylan – guitar, piano, harmonica, vocals
Rick Danko – bass guitar
Levon Helm – drums
Garth Hudson – organ
Richard Manuel – piano, drums
Robbie Robertson – guitars
Forever Young
B. Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
Forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
And may you stay
Forever young
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
Forever young
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
And may you stay
Forever young
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
Forever young
Bob Dylan's song Forever Young is a timeless classic that is often played at graduations, weddings, and other significant life events. The song is a beautiful message to the listener's heart about staying youthful in spirit and helping others, both current and future generations. The five stanzas are peppered with well-wishes for the person the song is being sung to: "May God's bless and keep you always / May your wishes all come true / May you always do for others / And let others do for you." These lyrics are powerful in their simplicity, conveying the message that people should create the world they want to see by being active participants.
The chorus of the song consists of the phrase "Forever young," which repeats throughout the song. This phrase encapsulates the spirit and message of the song. The song encourages the listener to be righteous, true, and grow up to know the truth of the world. The song also wishes the listener to be courageous, upright, and joyous, with a strong foundation. The final stanza encourages the listener to be busy with their work, to move swiftly through life, and embrace joy while being mindful of the good they do for others.
Line by Line Meaning
May God's bless and keep you always
May you always have the love and protection of a higher power watching over you
May your wishes all come true
May you attain everything that you desire in life
May you always do for others
May you be a selfless person who is always ready to assist others
And let others do for you
May you recognize that sometimes it is necessary to accept help from others in return
May you build a ladder to the stars
May you always aspire to reach for the highest possible goals in life
And climb on every rung
May you make the most of every opportunity and level of success along the way
May you stay
May you maintain these positive traits throughout your life
Forever young
May you always maintain a youthful spirit and optimistic outlook
May you grow up to be righteous
May you embrace moral principles and act with integrity
May you grow up to be true
May you be authentic and genuine in all that you say and do
May you always know the truth
May you have a deep understanding of reality and not be deceived by deception and falsehoods
And see the lights surrounding you
May you appreciate the beauty and goodness in the world around you
May you always be courageous
May you be brave and unafraid to face challenges and pursue your aspirations
Stand upright and be strong
May you possess the physical, emotional, and mental fortitude to persevere through adversity
May your hands always be busy
May you stay productive and active in pursuing your goals and serving others
May your feet always be swift
May you be able to move quickly and confidently towards your objectives
May you have a strong foundation
May you be grounded in your principles and beliefs, providing a sturdy base for navigating life's challenges
When the winds of changes shift
When life's unpredictable events occur
May your heart always be joyful
May you experience happiness and contentment in your life
May your song always be sung
May your voice always be heard in expressing your unique perspective and creativity
And may you stay
May you maintain these positive qualities in all aspects of your life
Forever young
May you always maintain your youthful and optimistic spirit
Forever young
May you always maintain your youthful and optimistic spirit
May you stay
May you maintain these positive qualities in all aspects of your life
Forever young
May you always maintain your youthful and optimistic spirit
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@teddybear5271
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
May you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the light surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
May you stay forever young
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
And may you stay forever young
May you stay forever young
@fazzlay
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
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
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
@markfabriziosr.3559
Our 17-year-old son Scott died 20 years ago at the age of 17. His birthday is today and this song is food for my soul. May he stay forever young. Love never ends. Happy Birthday, son.
@deniscrowley3365
Thoughts and Prayers sent to you from Dublin Ireland
@barbaracastelli6127
Condolences to your lost. Beautiful song for your sons Birthday. Have a Blessed day. Sending Prayers 🙏🏻
@harryjohnson3617
Thoughts an prayers from south Louisiana
@BingBangBooKangarooStudios
John 5:28,29.
Jehovah's resurrection hope is beautiful indeed. 🥀
@thesleepyone9590
Happy Birthday Scott...may you rest easy and in paradise...sending prayers to you and your family from Arizona
@c.f.cessna9783
my father passed away yesterday. this was his all-time favorite song by his all-time favorite artist. i will always listen to this and remember him. rest in peace Dad, i love you so much.
@syaoranoni54326
He loved great music. I'm sorry for your loss.
@c.f.cessna9783
What the fuck is wrong with you!? I said I WILL listen to it all the time-- that is to say, in the future I plan to listen to the song to remember him. Your comment is not only extremely disrespectful, but also it doesn't even make sense. Try again, loser.
@hugospaes2228
+Andrew Vespia piece of shit.