In 1999 Jazz legend Joe Sample collaborated with Lalah on the album The Song Lives On, which became a staple on both Jazz and Smooth R&B radio, as well as topping the Jazz charts. However, it would not be until 2004 that Lalah Hathaway would resurface with her own project. She had her biggest hit single in years with an inspired cover of the late Luther Vandross' Forever, For Always, For Love, topping the Urban AC Chart and reaching Top 40 on Billboards mainstream R&B chart, a feat repeated by Outrun the Sky, Hathaway's first solo album in a decade, which was released late in the year.
Forever for Always for Love
Lalah Hathaway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To remind myself that
There was a time when I
Didn't have no one
Didn't have no love
Do you remember
The love that we once had
Well, if I had the chance to love you again
If we forgive the past
I know this time love would last
Forever, for always, for love
I'm not coming home anymore
Does it matter?
Well, if I had the chance to hold you again
I would fill your heart with joy
And make you know that I'm the only one for you
Let's throw the bad memories out
And make this the first day of our
Forever, for always, for love
I'd be a fool to ever change
If she said she loves the way I am
I'd be a fool to ever change
If she said she loves the way I am
It's gonna be starting here, starting now
Forever, for always, for love
In "For Always," Lalah Hathaway sings a song about regret, lost love, and the overwhelming desire to seek redemption. Through the lyrics, she reminds herself of a time when she had nobody to love and how that has changed. It is a call for forgiveness, a desire to change for the better, and the hope for a second chance. The singer is an embodiment of a person who has learned from their past mistakes and is willing to make up for them.
Through the lyrics, the singer reminisces about the happy times with her lover, asking if they remember the love they once shared. The singer pledges to make up for her past mistakes and correct the wrongs she committed in the past. She offers her heart to her lover once again, pledging that this time their love will be forever. The phrase "Forever, for always, for love" repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the depth of the singer's yearning for a long-lasting relationship.
Overall, the song highlights the importance of acknowledging mistakes, making amends for them, and the possibility of redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
I sing this song
I am singing this song
To remind myself that
To jog my memory that
There was a time when I
There existed an era in my life when I
Didn't have no one
I didn't have anyone in my life
Didn't have no love
I didn't experience love during that time
Do you remember
Do you recollect
The love that we once had
The affection that we formerly shared
Well, if I had the chance to love you again
If I was given another opportunity to love you
I would make your heart forget I was ever bad
I would ensure that your heart forgets any negative things I did
If we forgive the past
If we let go of the past and forgive
I know this time love would last
I am sure that if we reconcile, our love will be enduring this time around
Forever, for always, for love
Indefinitely, for eternity, because of love
I'm not coming home anymore
I have no intention of returning home any longer
Does it matter?
Does it make a difference?
Well, if I had the chance to hold you again
Just like I previously mentioned, if I could embrace you again
I would fill your heart with joy
I would cause your heart to be elated
And make you know that I'm the only one for you
I will make you realize that I am the only one suitable for you
Let's throw the bad memories out
Let's discard the unpleasant recollections
And make this the first day of our
Let's initiate the start of our new
Forever, for always, for love
Eternally, enduringly, because of love
I'd be a fool to ever change
It would be unwise to alter myself
If she said she loves the way I am
If she confirmed that she adores me as I am
It's gonna be starting here, starting now
It shall commence from this moment onward
Forever, for always, for love
Unendingly, perpetually, due to love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LUTHER VANDROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mia W
There was a time when I
Didn't have no one
Didn't have no love
Do you remember
The love that we once had
Well, if I had the chance to love you again
I would make your heart forget I was ever bad
If we forgive the past
I know this time love would last
Forever, for always, for love
I'm not coming home anymore
Does it matter?
Well, if I had the chance to hold you again
I would fill your heart with joy
And make you know that I'm the only one for you
Let's throw the bad memories out
And make this the first day of our
Forever, for always, for love
I'd be a fool to ever change
If he says he loves the way I am
I'd be a fool to ever change
If he says he loves the way I am
It's gonna be starting here, starting now
Forever, for always, for love x7
Aaron Williams Vocal Gold
Nobody did this song like Luther did, but my girl Lalah gets a total pass. She SLAYYYYYYED this song. HER DADDY and LUTHER would be oh so proud. She made it her own. And that is a rule when you cover a legend's song....Make it your own and make it original. She did just that. I am in love with this version.
Reggie Ruffin
YEP SHE TURNED IT INTO A QUIET STORM SUNDAY JAZZ BALLAD🎤
Off the LedgeTV
Heatwave originated it
Lionel Thomas
No lies were told. 💯
Jaelyn Johnson
I like hers better
donald new jr.
@Kimberly Whitehead no disrespect to the great late Luther, but I actually listen to this version more often
TheKts1966/keyshon
When she sings....all I can do is, close my eyes, shake my head and smile.... You better go head and sing this song !!☝👏👏👋💕💕
Eva patterson
She killed it 🔥 Luther very proud 💯
Ldm0320
Same
arlita strose
Me too