When We Were Beautiful
Bon Jovi(邦.乔维) Lyrics

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The world is cracked
The sky is torn
I'm hanging in
You're holding on

I can't pretend
That nothing's changed
Living in the shadows

Of the love we made

Back, when we were beautiful
Before the world got small
Before we knew it all
Back, when we were innocent
I wonder where it went
Let's go back and find it

Sha la la, sha la la, hey, sha la la
Sha la la, sha la la, hey, sha la la

Some dreams live
Some will die
But the you and me
Is still alive

Now am I blessed?
Or am I cursed?
'Cause the way we are
Ain't the way we were

Back, when we were beautiful
Before the world got small
Before we knew it all
Back, when we were innocent
I wonder where it went
Let's go back and find it

The world is cracked
The sky is torn
So much less
Meant so much more

Back, when we were beautiful
Before the world got small
Before we knew it all
Back, when we were innocent
I wonder where it went
Let's go back and find it

Back, when we were beautiful
Back, when we were beautiful
Back, when we were beautiful
Back, when we were beautiful

Sha la la, sha la la, hey, sha la la
Sha la la, sha la la, hey, sha la la

Sha la la, sha la la, hey, sha la la
Sha la la, sha la la, hey, sha la la

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bon Jovi's "When We Were Beautiful" are layered with emotions and nostalgia. The first verse paints a picture of a world that is in disarray - it is as if the world has become so small that there is no space for beauty and love. Despite the chaos, the singer is hanging on, and their partner is holding them up. But the love they share is not the same as it once was - it is now just a shadow of what it used to be.

As the song progresses, the singer wonders what happened to the innocence and beauty they once had. They long to go back and relive those moments, to recapture the love they once shared. The chorus repeats the phrase "Back when we were beautiful," emphasizing the contrast between the past and the present. The nostalgia in the lyrics is palpable - the singer yearns for a time when everything was simpler and life wasn't so complicated.

The final verse acknowledges that not all dreams live, but the love between the singer and their partner is still alive, despite its evolution. The singer asks if they are blessed or cursed to have changed over time, realizing that the way things are now is not how they used to be. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, driving home the message of nostalgia and the desire to go back and relive the past.

Overall, "When We Were Beautiful" is a poignant exploration of the passage of time, changing relationships, and the yearning for a simpler time.

Line by Line Meaning

The world is cracked
The world is broken and imperfect

The sky is torn
The sky is damaged and incomplete

I'm hanging in
I am barely managing to hold on

You're holding on
You are assisting me in hanging in there

I can't pretend
I cannot fake the truth

That nothing's changed
That everything remains as it was before

Living in the shadows
Existing in obscurity

Of the love we made
Of the relationship we had together

Back, when we were beautiful
Remembering the past when we were happy and healthy

Before the world got small
Before the world became suffocating

Before we knew it all
Before we had a lot of experiences that made us cynical

Back, when we were innocent
Recalling the past in which we were naive and pure

I wonder where it went
I am curious about how we lost our innocence and happiness

Let's go back and find it
Let us attempt to recapture our lost innocence and happiness

Some dreams live
Some aspirations come true

Some will die
Some aspirations will not be fulfilled

But the you and me
However, our love lives on

Is still alive
Is still present and thriving

Now am I blessed?
Now I wonder if I am fortunate and favored by fate

Or am I cursed?
Or am I condemned and doomed in some way?

'Cause the way we are
Due to our current circumstances and situation

Ain't the way we were
Is distinct from the way we were before

So much less
So much has been lost or diminished

Meant so much more
Implying that, despite the loss, it held significance to us

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHIE SAMBORA, JON BON JOVI, BILLY FALCON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@helldoitagain

7y↑12

I just thought I would write the Lyrics here for those that want to read them

"When We Were Beautiful"

The world is cracked
The sky is torn
I’m hanging in
You’re holding on

I can’t pretend
That nothings changed
Living in the shadows
Of the love we made

Back…When we were beautiful
Before the world got small
Before we knew it all
Back… When we were innocent
I wonder where it went
Let’s go back and find it

Sha la la Sha la la hey Sha la la
Sha la la Sha la la hey Sha la la

Some dreams live
Some will die
But the you in me
Is still alive

Now am I blessed?
Or am I cursed?
Cause the way we are
Aint the way we were

Back…When we were beautiful
Before the world got small
Before we knew it all
Back… When we were innocent
I wonder where it went
Let’s go back and find it

[Solo]

The world is cracked
The sky is torn
So much less
Meant so much more

Back…When we were beautiful
Before the world got small
Before we knew it all
Back… When we were innocent
I wonder where it went
Let’s go back and find it

Back…When we were beautiful
Back…When we were beautiful
Back…When we were beautiful
Back…When we were beautiful

Sha la la Sha la la hey Sha la la
Sha la la Sha la la hey Sha la la

All comments from YouTube:

@Amazing0008

12y↑47

First time i heard Bon Jovi i was 3 years old.My dad said: "Son,this is the real music." Since that day i'm their fan and i want to be music artist.. They are the best ! :)

@Warum.2439

7y↑135

This song gives me chills especially when you look back on your life and realize so much of your life just passes you by so fast

@hr110391

4y↑3

Facts my friend

@josephcarino1424

4y↑3

It gives me a great and wonderful feeling whenever i heard jon bon jovi

@jf6720

33w

Totally agree! You can tell this song is written by someone who has been there!

@croire62

1y↑11

I am 60 years old now. This song has made me cry for more than 10 years. He’s singing to my soul.

@AmyEdwards1986

8y↑230

When you hear that song live, it is sounding exactly like on the record and it is not playback. You can say whatever you want about Bon Jovi, you can criticize them as much as you want, they will still be more epic and much more enjoyable to see that all those so called young talents we see nowadays. There are no need for dancers, all they need are 6 talented guys who know what music is really about to have an unforgettable experience. Bon Jovi all the way <3 <3 <3

@matteodelnobile6150

8y↑2

i agree!!👍

@shawnabendov6108

+MATTEO DEL NOBILE absolutely

@monemama8355

I miss Richie and Jon much....but misunderstanding can the best friedship kill :-[

@meilvlogs5744

8y↑1

totally agree with your statement 👌😍

@monemama8355

8y↑2

+MeI l Vlogs thank you

10 More Replies...

@fedebjalways

12y↑14

It's such a shame that a great song like this one didn't have that much attention... "When we were beautiful" is an spectacular song and it deserves to be recognized!

@MensagemNaGarrafaPodcast

3y↑20

This song has an incredible power to destroy me and put me on tears. So many memories, so many ppl that I once called "friend" and now ain't no longer part of my life, and of course, a love that no longer exists...

@CAST13L

Beautiful. Back when it was so..

@jf6720

32w

Wow, you are so right, now I am even more depressed.

@JoeVarVeri

11w↑1

Not only is this song more relevant now in 2024, but I would simply give anything to go back to 2009 when this was new! We didn't know how good we had it even then. I would also give anything to have Bon Jovi singing and sounding like this again.

@dewnolan41

12y↑16

Now, at 44 I look back and think about this all the time. The 80' were my time, I was beautiful, now I am just another middle aged woman, but that happens to everyone, I think. Bon Jovi Forever

@CAST13L

4y↑21

It's a bit scary how this song grows with time.. but it makes sense. :'(

@MacyZC55

8y↑29

What would your feelings be like after listening to this song a couple years later? Man, it makes me realize that at my age (17) I haven't lived anything compared to other people. Hopefully, we can contribute to the world, and in the future, see it change for the better. “There's no time left to waste”. :)

@Thebecoolchannel

8y↑2

I hope this song gives you some inspiration to do some good!

@hyperdrivepics

7y↑106

I was at the concert where they recorded this! My first Bon Jovi concert ever! Fun fact, after performing the song he came back and said he had to sing it again since they needed more footage. So we heard this song twice to get the video!

@kirarasmom4274

Congratulations on your concert. I will get to see them in heaven.

I had a chance to go, but my health blew it. 😁

@craiggstewart01

11y↑5

the best thing about bon jovi is that every situation someone has in their life they have a song about it. they dont have songs about partying or getting smashed they have songs with meaning that every single person can relate to. thats why bon jovi are the greatest band ever

@fructis79

6y↑8

First and foremost...FINALLY INDUCTED INTO ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME...Now that that's out of the way...this is a band that has truly stood the test of time...now there are some older bands but this one right here...sheer beauty inside AND out...you can literally see the genuineness in and on them...so when you see them perform a song w/ lyrics of this caliber...ur heart aches and sings all at the same time cus you were there and you understand the journey physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually!!! Just can't say enough about Jon and the crew...but I know this song says it ALL for us...thank you to a friend I have never met nor probably will but as long as I have songs with a voice like this...well...its ok...I am happy and blessed...TRULY!!! WHAT A ROAD TRAVELED!!!!!!!!!

@Patricia-2000-

5y↑1

Dominick, you're not alone. So many ppl feel this way, they just don't comment about it. Jon is beautiful. He's unbelievably talented. But it's his heart, his soul, his love that make us all feel one on one with him. He's our brother, our father, best friend, he writes our hearts, he sings our hope. I truly wish he knows that. I'm a singer/songwriter and I can feel every emotion in every single note he sings. He IS beautiful, and I'm so very thankful for him, we all are. Don't give up Dominick, you don't stand alone.

@itsadogslife1882

7y↑12

what i wouldn't give to hear this live. the atmosphere must be amazing, hopefully my dream of seeing him live will come true one day

@jamesfrady3798

5y↑2

Theres honestly NOTHING like being in the audience of a Bon Jovi concert and being able to sing along with them

@eddiekasbrak3683

7y↑24

C'mon people, only 2,168,417 views?! More people either need to know this song or love Bon Jovi more

@ernestday6715

11y↑4

His versatility over the years is one of the things that makes him one of the greats of all times (this song, a clear testimony to the fact).

@Credibleparanormal

14y↑2

I went to the Bon Jovi concert in anticipation to hear one song above all others, and it was this one. What made it even more awesome was that I got to watch this video being filmed live. From now on, whenever I see this video...I can say "I was there". Bon Jovi is special to me just as they are special to millions of fans around the world. Their songs are not an anthem to rock idols and superstars. They are an anthem to the common man...and that I am. Thank you Bon Jovi.

@servicosevendas9422

7w↑2

The band still beautiful 😊 Bon Jovi forever❤

@rickcoske5605

11y↑6

This song is written about their youth,our youth,Sure hits home! in 88 I was freewheeling,not knowing this thing called life was comin fast

@alkatona4221

In 88 I was 20,,,ready to take on the world

@prakashrimal66

8y↑30

bon jovi.. made in heaven. .

@fulyaozkan7441

4y↑4

One of their best songs ever...

@fedebjalways

14y↑3

This song is sooo good, i'm trully glad it became the 3rd single, i really hope Bon Jovi continue making beautiful and introspective songs like this! Waiting to see BON JOVI live in ARGENTINA again, see you!

@leonjovi

12y↑3

These Living leyends brings us their talent everytime they come out with a new record... I can't say the old bon jovi was better or worst than the new one.. I cannot compare this song with "I'll be there for you" cause they're both great, but the new bon jovi its mature and great because of that old version of it!! Bon jovi live is more than a concert.. its the church of Rock 'n Roll!!

@bastardizedforeigncuisine

12y

Hi, I'm Julie, and I'm 12 yeas old. Before, my life was normal. I went to school, listened to pop, and was bitching over nothing. I clicked on a Bon Jovi video by a mistake. And it changed my life. I was like: "Hmm, this isn't bad," and then I checked out the other videos. And that, my dear friends, was how i discovered real music. Bon Jovi was my first, and I don't regret it at all. I love and will always be loving Bon Jovi.

@duanehoward9761

Omg when we were beautiful really touched my soul. I've just been so depressed lately and don't know how to find the fire that once burned deep inside my soul. And I think I've figured it out . The secret to life is you won't get anywhere without God.

@jacksadlier3513

10y↑54

No one appreciates proper music any more, its all computer beats these days :(

@MarieBot-tr6lv

16w

my hubby passed away 2022, also born 1962 and i can relate - we had some 'beautiful' years together -- thanks Jon for allowing me to relate and love Rock at 75. As an Aries we are always young at heart. I play your videos often, what i like about it all is that all band members have smiles on their faces when performing and doing all your antics. love you lots.Marliss from Canada

@MsDisneyDisney

10y↑51

I'm 16 and bon jovi is my all time favourite band! I saw them at villa park June 9 this year they were just mind blowing ahhh Jon is also like a sex god js.

@JayVeni

5y↑2

Lauren Louise time goes by now I’m sixteen and this is my favorite song enjoy 😉

@MsDisneyDisney

Adam same!! Saw them last night again 😍

@pavelbeloborodov8297

13w

Sambora is amazing guitarist. Through the years he recorded own guitar parts, solos etc ..with such a great respect to Jon vocals. It was the time I thought Sambora is done, but the truth is, that it was Jon. His voice has gone year after year. It wasn't possible to play styles Sambora great at.. But even in this case - guitars are brilliant, soulful, notes are perfect. Thank you The King of Swing. Respect forever.

@BJSpecial

3y↑5

Maestro de la música, letras... Artistas como tú ya no hay, una leyenda viviente me se todas tus canciones hasta las que no entraron en los albums, en solitario todas. Un ídolo sin escándalos, sin excesos simplemente uno de los mejores cantantes de todos los tiempos. GRACIAS JON POR TANTA MAGIA🖤🖤🙏🎶🎶🎶

@keksjr

13y

I'm 15 years old and I h8 the new musicians of thesedays. I love Bon Jovi and many other musicians of the 80s and I think more than half of the world thinks that the new musicians of thesedays aren't as the guys from the 80s. I say to my friends that I'm living in the wrong generation because all the things I like are from the 80s, when there were nice people, nice activities and REALLY GOOD MUSICIANS! BON JOVI WILL NEVER DIE! HE WILL LIVE ON WITH ALL THE GOOD MUSIC LOVERS

@user-fz8zc1pt8j

28w↑1

Came across this song when I bought the full catalogue of bon Jovi. Absolute amazing song.. And I have been a rock fan for almost 40 +years.👌🤟

@Ivanboivin13

12y

Im Native from Cananda and im 14 And i'm a huge fan of Bon Jovi ! :)

@MarciaPereira2409

10y↑16

Escutar essa música ao vivo foi um dos meus melhores presentes nesses últimos 4 anos!

@andersonnascimento4439

Concordo 1000%

@bellajean2000

10y↑7

Jon had his video taped in the shows in Dallas, TX and Oklahoma and the shala shala (sp ?) are actually the members of the audience singing with him, from one of the concerts for those that don't know the history of the making of video of this beautiful song.

@karinb576

I was there !!! I am in this video!! It was a riveting experience .

@venomrteam

12y

Am I the only one that born in 90's here and still blasting Bon Jovi's songs ?

@thainarabranzan4010

9y↑23

This music is so perfect <3

@djarindam

12y

So true... Back…When we were beautiful Before the world got small Before we knew it all Back… When we were innocent I wonder where it went Let’s go back and find it Beautiful and so meaningful lyrics...

@alolish

13y

Happy birthday, dear Jon! God bless you! Thanks for everything!!! ♥♥

@Leppardized92

12y↑1

i may be 19 but i feel i've been with them all my life

@Thebecoolchannel

8y↑8

wish we could go back and find it! I love this song... it so epitomises the world today!

@LucasLima-ov4mq

6y↑5

Great & Underrated Song, for a Underrated album

@sebastianriosorjuela1265

4y↑2

Always that I listen this song, I start to cry...

@alolish

13y↑1

10th of July Bucharest 2011! Best night of my silly life!! And they did When We Were Beautiful <3 Jon smiled to me during this song. That's why now I love it even MORE!

@helldoitagain

7y↑12

@akimbo5u

11y↑2

saw him live in Atlanta 2 weeks ago was the most amazing rock concert ive been to and ive been to many of them. It was just amazing he played non stop for like 3 hours amazing energy

@MariianaRuiiz

8y↑26

Sha lala, sha lala-eh ♥

@arkadyzz8023

yeahB-)

@holengful

11y↑1

Im a young fan of Bonjovi...love their old n new records! Love their songwritings,meaningful lyrics

@TheMBTFeel

11y

Sambora has to be one of the most tasteful guitarists ever, I just wish his solos went on for longer!

@edutom97

5y↑2

That solo dude

@joaojr7918

4y↑2

This song makes me feel in a U2 concert...

@shaunmoses5303

Before the world got small, before we knew it all, yes before humans for big and the world got small. Jon bon Jovi knew it all, master piece.

@Silver345Kong

11y↑1

One of the latest singles from them, but after 30 years they still got it!

@Kangarikua

8y↑10

No importan los años que pasen, Bon Jovi siempre será el mejor, y más su líder: Jon.

@HurriKate414

10y↑8

Still a master with the ballads. Love this one!

@anapoblete4779

9y↑8

BON JOVI , es la mejor banda que exite , solida y responsable ante cualquer evento . Sus temas fabulosos y sus letras que llegan al alma , cada dia me enamoran mas .

@MissLaVesta

12y

I am 15 years old girl, and I love Bon Jovi. I hate my generation for it's music.

@MattBeckstrom

13y

"Keep the Faith" was Bon Jovi's best album, and the last album that was worth listening to in entirety.

@viktorromero1753

26w

Y these days?

@tnoye

13y

BON JOVI WAS THE BEST CONCERT EVER!! PORTUGAL 2011 PARQUE BELA VISTA

@MELROSE13

11y

Obviously you are NOT a true Jovi fan..a true fan respects him and his choices and his voice and his talent

@debally9628

5y↑1

Back when we were Bon Jovi, God only knows who they are now.

@RealMusicLoverBONJOV

12y↑1

back when you were rocking,now when you 're still rocking,we will always love you and listen to you! BON JOVI <3 <3

@hr110391

4y↑2

The lyrics to this song are so underrated and beautiful he's my fav song this has to be my fav song apart from wanted Dead or Alive

@joannazark

11y

Please come to Greece!!!<3 In fanpop the half fans of Bon Jovi are Greek and they would die to see you!!! We love you guys!!!

Благодаря Рали ! Щях да се изложа....попаднах на група .Трамвай 5......

@PSEUDOINGLES

10y↑4

in the worlds of DAVID COVERDALE
"here i go again"
i was away from Bon Jovi´ songs but, now ...
I´m addicted again

@rebecahernandez280

Una de las mejores y única banda,que a través de la disciplina y responsabilidad han logrado ese éxito a nivel mundial!!Te amo Bon Jovi,ers lo máximo!!😘😘

@tomearly2

10y↑6

Great song, just have to fully listen to the lyrics to really appreciate it.

@aj2dac

14y

THE BEST SONG OFF THE CIRCLE ALBUM!!!

@wedhusgimbal

9y↑3

this music touches people's hearts.. extreme awesomeness

@Mr1997kaf

11y

Every smart guy loves Bon Jovi

@SoccerArtist95

13y

Jon, this song really hits home. It creates such a magical and bonding force; everyone comes together, regardless of age, gender, race... raises their hands and sings along to create the powerful and magical melody that tells a story... a story of Mr. Jon Bon Jovi and how he's changed music for as long as we know it..

@MelaniBrandi

13y

I Looveeeeee the Band, Jon and every single one of their songs.. they are amazing and even though I am only 16, I can say Bon Jovi is the best band I've ever known or heard. So carry on giving us more of these amazing songs and PLEASE come back to Argentina soon.. You've no idea how much i cried when the day of the show came and I couldnt be there...

@missfeelgood88

14y

Bon Jovi, you're still beautiful...

@maryjokukowski9082

3y↑1

I could listen over and over

@DIDISALAS79

14y↑1

AL ESCUCHAR MUSICA DE BON JOVI SIMPRE ME ACUERDO DE UN AMIGO QUE ESTA EN EL CIELO, TE EXTRAÑAMOS TORTAS

@bensillitoe

10y↑49

This track is SO underestimated ... Forget "Living on a Prayer" and all the other expected synonymous bull shit - This track really highlights the depth and diversity of a band spanning 4 decades. If you're of a certain "wise" age you'll appreciate what it means to grow in stature with JBJ x