About the song
“Remember When,” penned and performed by American country music artist Alan Jackson, stands as a heartfelt reflection on life’s journey and enduring love. Released in October 2003 as the final single from his compilation album *Greatest Hits Volume II*, the song quickly ascended to the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in February 2004, solidifying its place as one of Jackson’s most cherished compositions.
Content-wise, “Remember When” lyrically traverses through pivotal moments in Jackson’s life alongside his wife, Denise. It eloquently captures their love story from their early days together, through the joys and challenges of raising children, and looks forward to cherishing memories as they grow older. The song’s narrative resonates with authenticity, painting a vivid picture of enduring commitment and nostalgic reflection.
Upon its release, “Remember When” received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth. Billboard hailed it as “the most poignant, well-written country song to hit the format in a long time,” underscoring its universal appeal and impact within the genre.
The music video for “Remember When,” directed by Trey Fanjoy, premiered on CMT on January 12, 2004. It features Jackson seated on a stool, strumming his guitar, interspersed with poignant home movie footage depicting Jackson’s own life moments—from childhood to adulthood with his wife, Denise. The video’s intimate portrayal of personal memories perfectly complements the song’s nostalgic themes, further enhancing its emotional resonance.
Commercially, “Remember When” achieved significant success, earning Jackson multiple accolades. It was certified four-times platinum by the RIAA in May 2023, attesting to its enduring popularity and widespread acclaim. By November 2016, the song had sold over 1.5 million copies in the United States alone, solidifying its status as a beloved classic among country music enthusiasts.
“Remember When” continues to hold a special place in Alan Jackson’s discography and in the hearts of listeners worldwide. Its timeless themes of love, family, and reminiscence ensure its enduring relevance, making it a cherished anthem for anyone who cherishes life’s most precious moments.
Video
Lyrics
Remember when I was young and so were you
And time stood still and love was all we knew
You were the first, so was I
We made love and then you cried
Remember when
Remember when we vowed the vows
and walked the walk
Gave our hearts, made the start, it was hard
We lived and learned, life threw curves
There was joy, there was hurt
Remember whenRemember when old ones died and new were born
And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged
We came together, fell apart
And broke each other’s hearts
Remember whenRemember when the sound of little feet
was the music
We danced to week to week
Brought back the love, we found trust
Vowed we’d never give it up
Remember whenRemember when thirty seemed so old
Now lookin’ back, it’s just a steppin’ stone
To where we are,
where we’ve been
Said we’d do it all again
Remember whenRemember when we said when we turned gray
When the children grow up and move away
We won’t be sad, we’ll be glad
For all the life we’ve had
And we’ll remember whenRemember when
Remember when