This is one of Bob’s most endearing songs. Dylan is quoted as saying that he wrote Forever Young in Tucson, Arizona, “thinking about” one of his sons and “not wanting to be too sentimental“. I like all versions of this song I have heard; including the original below from Planet Waves, the whimsical version from The Band’s The Last Waltz and Joan Baez’s sacred conveyance of Bob’s songwriting also presented below.
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
Most songs from Dylan are raw and individualistic in nature, but Forever Young (like for example: Blowing in the Wind or The Times They Are a-Changin) encapsulate a universal message of perfect reason. Forever Young is pliable for any parent trying carefully, but boldly to impart their insights on anyone young, impressionable – growing up in the world.
I think that’s what makes Bob Dylan such an exceptional poet and songwriter is he seamlessly hones into a weighty core of a theme and unveils its texture and resonance to appear as brilliant as the light of day.
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
Forever young
According to the Wikipedia reference below: (Forever Young) was written as a lullaby for his eldest son Jesse, born in 1966, Dylan’s song relates a father’s hopes that his child will remain strong and happy. It opens with the lines, ‘May God bless and keep you always / May your wishes all come true‘, echoing the priestly blessing from the Book of Numbers.
Dylan performed the song live 493 times between its live debut in 1974 and its last outing in 2011.This includes a duet with Bruce Springsteen at the Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
References:
1. Forever Young (Bob Dylan song) – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Nice sentiments!
How are you doing Matt? We are seeing the first signs of spring, here in the UK!
I’m well thank you Sharon. Things are clearing up over there?
Well actually Matt, we have rain over here today! Caught me by surprise, yesterday was so bright. Happy to read you are well. Keep it that way! Happy Easter! Sharon
Happy Easter to you too Sharon! We had a lovely morning. I’m actually surprised by how good the weather has been (so far!) unlike previous wet seasons.
Enjoy!
Sorry I’ve been absent Matt…. I didn’t know it was written as a lullaby for his song…thanks Matt!
I had read it was written for one of his sons, but a Lullaby? I know he wrote some songs on Under the Red Sky (like 2 x 2) for his daughter and the album is dedicated to her. Cheers.
I didn’t know that either…that is really cool to know how they started.