Released: 1994
At its core, “Always” by Bon Jovi is a ballad of undying love and lament over lost companionship. It carries the weight of heartache and the promise of eternal devotion, wrapped in the compelling storytelling that Bon Jovi is known for. Through its poignant lyrics, it explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of both.
The song kicks off with a metaphor-heavy introduction, portraying the singer as a wounded Romeo, bleeding from the unseen wounds of heartbreak. The “blood” is described as feelings stirred up by an “old dog,” suggesting a deep emotional pain that’s been reawakened. The rain serving as a metaphor for constant sorrow since the departure of a loved one, indicates the singer’s overwhelming grief. Despite being a fighter, the battle of heartbreak is too much without his significant other, illustrating the depth of his despair and loneliness.
The chorus hits with a powerful declaration of eternal love, promising to love “always,” beyond the confines of time and even in defiance of cosmic dissolution. It’s a hyperbolic way to stress the unending nature of his affection, promising to carry this torch even to his dying breath. The romanticism is cranked up to eleven, encapsulating the dizzying height of emotions involved in true love and devotion.
In the second verse, there’s a shift to reminiscing about the past, with pictures serving as the only remnants of a once vibrant relationship. These memories are bittersweet, filled with joy and pain, highlighting the complexity of love and the scars left behind when it ends. The verse delves into longing, with the singer yearning for physical closeness and understanding, despite acknowledging his own flaws and mistakes. This humanizes the singer, presenting him as someone who recognizes his imperfections and the consequences they have had on his relationships.
The bridge of the song intensifies this longing and introduces a sense of rivalry, as the singer imagines being replaced in his loved one’s affections. The imagery of another holding close what was once his ignites a desperate wish to express his undying love, reinforcing his willingness to do anything for her. This part of the song underlines the desperation and deep-seated desire to reclaim a lost love, emphasizing the lengths one would go to for the person they love.
In its final plea, “Always” circles back to the promise of eternal love, reiterating the depth of the singer’s commitment. The mention of “loaded dice” implies that the odds have always been against them, yet the willingness to try again, to rekindle old dreams in a new light, speaks volumes of hope and resilience in love. The song closes on a note that’s both melancholic and hopeful, holding onto the belief that love, once true, remains always.
“Always” by Bon Jovi is a masterclass in rock balladry, weaving a tale of heartbreak, hope, and the undying nature of love. It resonates with anyone who’s ever loved deeply, lost profoundly, and dared to dream of love reborn from the ashes. Through its intricate lyrics and emotive delivery, it captures the essence of human emotional depth, making it a timeless piece in rock history.