About the song
“Forever and Ever, Amen” is a timeless country classic written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, famously recorded by American country artist Randy Travis. Released in March 1987 as the lead single from Travis’ album “Always & Forever,” the song quickly became his third number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Since 2017, Travis, whose singing ability has been severely limited since suffering a stroke in 2013, has contributed the closing “Amen” to various live performances by other artists when he attends. This gesture underscores the enduring impact and significance of “Forever and Ever, Amen” in Travis’ career and in the country music community.
In August 2020, Josh Turner recorded a cover version of “Forever and Ever, Amen,” featuring Travis on Turner’s album “Country State of Mind.” This marked Travis’ first recording since his stroke, highlighting the song’s continued relevance and Travis’ enduring influence on contemporary artists.
Further extending its legacy, in February 2021, Ronan Keating and Shania Twain released their rendition of the song as the fifth and final single from Keating’s eleventh studio album, “Twenty Twenty.” This collaboration across genres attests to the song’s universal appeal and enduring charm.
The song’s origins stem from a heartfelt sentiment shared by Don Schlitz’s son, who would often tell his mother, “I love you forever and ever, amen,” after his nightly prayers. Schlitz and Overstreet swiftly captured this tender message in a song that resonated deeply with Martha Sharp, Warner Bros.’ executive, who suggested it for Travis following the success of “On the Other Hand.”
Upon its release, “Forever and Ever, Amen” debuted on the Billboard country charts in April 1987 and ascended to the number-one spot on June 13, 1987. It marked Travis’ first song to achieve such acclaim since Johnny Lee’s “Lookin’ for Love” seven years prior, solidifying its impact and popularity.
The song’s critical reception was equally impressive, earning it the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Song at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards in 1988. It also garnered Song of the Year accolades from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. Nearly three decades after its release, the song was certified Gold by the RIAA, underscoring its enduring popularity and influence.
In 2024, Rolling Stone magazine ranked “Forever and Ever, Amen” at number 48 on its list of the 200 greatest country songs of all time, further cementing its status as a beloved classic cherished by fans and critics alike. The song’s continued resonance underscores its place as a hallmark of Randy Travis’ illustrious career and its enduring legacy in country music history.
Video
https://youtu.be/sgJXbIP83A8
Lyrics
You may think that I’m talkin’ foolish
You’ve heard that I’m wild and I’m free
You may wonder how I can promise you now
This love that I feel for you always will be
But you’re not just time that I’m killin’
I’m no longer one of those guys
As sure as I live, this love that I give
Is gonna be yours until the day that I die
Oh, baby, I’m gonna love you forever
Forever and ever amen
As long as old men sit and talk about the weather
As long as old women sit and talk about old men
If you wonder how long I’ll be faithful
I’ll be happy to tell you again
I’m gonna love you forever and ever
Forever and ever, amen
They say time takes its toll on a body
Makes the young girls brown hair turn gray
But honey, I don’t care, I ain’t in love with your hair
And if it all fell out, well, I’d love you anyway
They say time can play tricks on a memory
Make people forget things they knew
Well, it’s easy to see, it’s happenin’ to me
I’ve already forgotten every woman but you
Oh, darlin’, I’m gonna love you forever
Forever and ever amen
As long as old men sit and talk about the weather
As long as old women sit and talk about old men
If you wonder how long I’ll be faithful
Well, just listen to how this song ends
I’m gonna love you forever and ever
Forever and ever, amen