One of its founders, Garcia performed with the Grateful Dead for their entire thirty-year career (1965–1995). Garcia also founded and participated in a variety of side projects, including the Saunders–Garcia Band (with longtime friend Merl Saunders), the Jerry Garcia Band, Old and in the Way, the Garcia/Grisman acoustic duo, Legion of Mary, and the New Riders of the Purple Sage (which Garcia co-founded with John Dawson and David Nelson). He also released several solo albums, and contributed to a number of albums by other artists over the years as a session musician. He was well known for his distinctive guitar playing and was ranked 46th in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" cover story.
Later in life, Garcia was sometimes ill because of his diabetes, and in 1986 went into a diabetic coma that nearly cost him his life. Although his overall health improved somewhat after that, he also struggled with heroin and cocaine addictions, and was staying in a California drug rehabilitation facility when he died of a heart attack in August 1995.
Forever Young
Jerry Garcia 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
May you stay forever young
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
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
May you stay forever young
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
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
May you stay forever young
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
May you stay forever young
The Jerry Garcia Band's song Forever Young is a message of well wishes to someone embarking on a new journey in life. The lyrics express hopes and dreams for the individual that they may live a fulfilling and meaningful life. The opening verse begins with a prayer-like blessing: "May God's bless and keep you always." The use of the word "always" implies a sense of eternity, a wish for a life that is long and happy. The following lines express a hope that the individual's wishes come true and that they are able to both give and receive kindness. The line "May you build a ladder to the stars and climb on every rung" speaks to the idea of reaching for the stars and experiencing everything that life has to offer.
The second verse expresses a desire for the individual to be righteous, true and to always see the truth. There is a hope that the individual will possess courage, strength and stand upright. This verse also includes a call to action for the individual to be the best version of themselves. The final verse expresses wishes for the individual's hands to always be busy, their feet to always be swift, and their heart to always be joyful. The message is one of hope, positivity, and encouragement to live a fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
May God's bless and keep you always
May the Lord bless and keep you for eternity
May your wishes all come true
May all your desires be fulfilled
May you always do for others
May you always be selfless towards others
And let others do for you
And let others be generous to you
May you build a ladder to the stars
May you aspire for the impossible
And climb on every rung
And achieve every step of your aspirations
May you stay
May you continue
May you stay forever young
May you always remain youthful in spirit
Forever young
Eternally youthful
Forever young
Eternally youthful
May you grow up to be righteous
May you mature into being morally good
May you grow up to be true
May you mature into being truthful
May you always know the truth
May you always have knowledge of the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
And perceive the good in the world
May you always be courageous
May you always be brave
Stand upright and be strong
Stand tall and be unwavering
May you stay
May you continue
May you stay forever young
May you always remain youthful in spirit
Forever young
Eternally youthful
Forever young
Eternally youthful
May your hands always be busy
May you always have useful work to do with your hands
May your feet always be swift
May you always move quickly
May you have a strong foundation
May you have a solid base to build upon
When the winds of changes shift
When the circumstances change
May your heart always be joyful
May you always have happiness in your heart
May your song always be sung
May your positive message always be heard
And may you stay
And may you continue
May you stay forever young
May you always remain youthful in spirit
Forever young
Eternally youthful
Forever young
Eternally youthful
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
backbaconnbeer
Of all the recording artists Jerry is the best interpreter of Dylan songs
Nick D
Safe to say, here & there -- there there, now! As many point out the eminent context, nuf to say there's no accounting for taste, theirs, yours or mine.
Allen Wells
Joe Cocker was great too!
lymehausdj8
Dylan loved Hendrix's watchtower
Dominick Micale
backbaconnbeer Hendrix watchtower is garbage compared to any Dylan Jerry ever did , sorry just sayin:)
Petra Kann
have you heard Hendrix's version of All Along the watchtower?
southernswimbait
May you stay, forever young! How is it possible that Jerry plugs into the moon and stars and his sound resonates so clearly at times? His sound and tone are unmistakeable.
Reed Simmons
southernswimbait couldn’t agree more
Cindy Noble
Jerry and that beautiful guitar tone says it all, loud and clear.How sweet it is!
zifrs rosman
I was speechless. This is so beautiful. I wish. I got to see Jerry..