DesafiadorCountryPast ContinuousSimple Past

Remember When

Alan Jackson

Released in 2003 on his album 'Greatest Hits Volume 2', Alan Jackson's 'Remember When' is a poignant reflection on love and the passage of time. The song resonates with listeners for its heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes of nostalgia in relationships. Jackson, a pivotal figure in modern country music, captures significant life moments, making this song a rich resource for English learners wishing to grasp emotional vocabulary and storytelling techniques.

Lyrics

Remember When — Alan Jackson

English

Alan Jackson’s Remember When describes his relationship with his wife and how they made it together through very difficult times.

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

We vowed the vows and walked the walk

Gave our hearts, made the start, and it was hard

We lived and learned, life threw curves

There was joy, and there was hurt

Remember when

Old ones died and the new were born

And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged

We came together, fell apart

And broke each other's hearts

Remember 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 when

Thirty seemed so old

Now looking back, it's just a stepping stone

To where we are, where we've been

Said we'd do it all again

Remember 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 when

Remember when

Grammar

What you learn from this song

Past Continuous / Pasado Continuo

The Past Continuous tense expresses actions that were ongoing in the past. It is often used to set the scene or describe background actions that were happening simultaneously with other events. It's important for English learners to understand this tense as it adds depth to storytelling.

"I was young and so were you" — This line illustrates a past continuous action, describing a state in the past.

"And time stood still and love was all we knew" — Another example of a background action providing context to their relationship.

"The sound of little feet was the music we danced to week to week" — Demonstrates ongoing past action related to family life.

Simple Past / Pasado Simple

The Simple Past tense is used for completed actions or events that occurred at a specific time in the past. This tense is essential for English learners as it helps in conveying clear past events and experiences.

"We vowed the vows and walked the walk" — Indicates completed actions in the past, emphasizing commitment.

"Gave our hearts, made the start, and it was hard" — A sequence of completed actions showing their journey together.

"Old ones died and the new were born" — Reflects significant life changes conveyed in the simple past.

Fun facts

Did you know?

Alan Jackson wrote 'Remember When' specifically to connect with his fans on a personal level, reflecting on his journey with his wife, Denise.

The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing Jackson's popularity and the song's impact on the country music genre.

In 2004, 'Remember When' was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, solidifying its status as a classic in Jackson's discography.

The song has been covered by various artists, including country singer Brad Paisley, who praised Jackson for his storytelling abilities in songwriting.

'Remember When' is frequently cited in discussions about country music’s ability to weave personal stories into universal themes, enhancing its cultural relevance.

For students

Why learn English with this song?

Remember When is an excellent choice for learning English due to its clear pronunciation and relatable vocabulary, making it accessible for challenging levels. The repetitive structure reinforces key expressions and themes, aiding retention. Moreover, the emotional narrative encourages students to engage with the language on a deeper level, enhancing both understanding and expression.

More music