Always – Bon Jovi
Released in 1994, Bon Jovi’s “Always” remains one of the band’s most enduring and emotionally powerful ballads. Featured on their Cross Road greatest hits album, the song not only became a staple of Bon Jovi’s discography but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock ballads. The official music video for “Always,” directed by Wayne Isham, plays a significant role in amplifying the song’s emotional impact. This article explores the themes, elements, and legacy of both the song and its visual counterpart.
The Song: An Ode to Eternal Love and Heartache
“Always” is characterized by its sweeping melody and heartfelt lyrics, encapsulating the essence of timeless love and the pain of separation. The song’s composition is a testament to Bon Jovi’s ability to blend powerful rock elements with deep emotional resonance. Featuring a piano-driven intro that transitions into a soaring chorus, the song showcases Jon Bon Jovi’s distinctive vocal delivery, which conveys a raw and heartfelt sense of longing.
The lyrics of “Always” reflect the complexity of love that endures despite challenges and heartbreak. The chorus, with its repeated line “I’ll be there till the stars don’t shine,” captures the essence of a love that persists despite the passage of time and the difficulties that come with it. The song’s verses narrate a story of a relationship marked by both devotion and pain, emphasizing the idea that true love is both enduring and all-encompassing.
The production of “Always” is marked by its grandiosity, featuring lush orchestral arrangements that add to the emotional weight of the song. The use of strings and a powerful guitar solo enhances the song’s dramatic effect, making it a quintessential power ballad that resonates with listeners on a deep emotional level.
The Music Video: A Cinematic Representation of Love and Loss
Directed by Wayne Isham, the official music video for “Always” enhances the song’s narrative through its cinematic approach. The video presents a storyline that complements the song’s themes of enduring love and heartbreak, blending visual storytelling with the emotional intensity of the track.
The video opens with a dramatic sequence set in a vintage-style hotel, where Jon Bon Jovi portrays a character who is both a rock star and a lover. The setting creates a nostalgic and somewhat melancholic atmosphere that aligns with the song’s themes. As the video progresses, it introduces a storyline involving a passionate but troubled relationship between Bon Jovi’s character and a woman played by actress Diane Lane.
The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks and present-day scenes, portraying the highs and lows of the couple’s relationship. The use of sepia tones and dramatic lighting emphasizes the emotional weight of their experiences. The video’s storytelling approach allows viewers to see the depth of the characters’ love and the pain of their separation, mirroring the song’s lyrical content.
One of the most striking elements of the video is its juxtaposition of performance and narrative. Bon Jovi’s performance scenes, set against the backdrop of a grand, opulent setting, contrast with the more intimate and personal moments of the storyline. This contrast highlights the dual nature of the song’s message: the public persona of a rock star versus the private, emotional struggles of a person in love.
Themes of Eternal Love and Emotional Turmoil
The central themes of “Always” revolve around the enduring nature of love and the emotional turbulence that accompanies it. The song and its video both explore the idea that true love is characterized by its persistence despite challenges and heartbreak. The lyrics express a commitment to a love that remains unwavering, even in the face of difficulties.
The music video amplifies these themes by visually representing the emotional journey of the characters. The portrayal of the couple’s intense and tumultuous relationship serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of love. The video’s dramatic and cinematic elements enhance the song’s message, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.
The use of visual metaphors and symbolic imagery, such as the vintage hotel and the sepia tones, adds depth to the story and reinforces the song’s themes. These elements contribute to the video’s overall emotional impact, making it a memorable complement to the song.
The Legacy of “Always”
Since its release, “Always” has cemented its place as one of Bon Jovi’s most iconic songs. Its emotional depth and powerful delivery have resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a favorite at concerts and a staple on rock ballad playlists. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of love and heartache in a way that is both universal and deeply personal.
The music video has also contributed to the song’s legacy, providing a visual representation that enhances its emotional impact. Wayne Isham’s direction and the performances of Jon Bon Jovi and Diane Lane add layers to the song’s narrative, creating a powerful and memorable experience for viewers.
In conclusion, Bon Jovi’s “Always” is a quintessential power ballad that captures the essence of enduring love and emotional turmoil. The official music video, with its cinematic approach and compelling narrative, complements the song’s themes and adds depth to its emotional impact. Together, the song and video stand as a testament to Bon Jovi’s ability to create music that resonates on both a personal and universal level.
This Romeo is bleeding
But you can’t see his blood
It’s nothing but some feelings
That this old dog kicked up
It’s been raining since you left me
Now I’m drowning in the flood
You see, I’ve always been a fighter
But without you, I give up
I can’t sing a love song
Like the way it’s meant to be
Well, I guess I’m not that good anymore
But baby, that’s just me
And I will love you, baby, always
And I’ll be there forever and a day, always
I’ll be there ’til the stars don’t shine
‘Til the heavens burst and the words don’t rhyme
And I know when I die, you’ll be on my mind
And I’ll love you, always
Now your pictures that you left behind
Are just memories of a different life
Some that made us laugh, some that made us cry
One that made you have to say goodbye
What I’d give to run my fingers through your hair
To touch your lips, to hold you near
When you say your prayers, try to understand
I’ve made mistakes, I’m just a man
When he holds you close, when he pulls you near
When he says the words you’ve been needing to hear
I wish I was him
With these words of mine
To say to you ’til the end of time
That I will love you baby, always
And I’ll be there forever and a day, always
If you told me to cry for you, I could
If you told me to die for you, I would
Take a look at my face
There’s no price I won’t pay
To say these words to you
Well, there ain’t no luck
In these loaded dice
But baby, if you give me just one more try
We can pack up our old dreams
And our old lives
We’ll find a place where the sun still shines
And I will love you, baby, always
And I’ll be there forever and a day, always
I’ll be there ’til the stars don’t shine
‘Til the heavens burst and the words don’t rhyme
I know when I die, you’ll be on my mind
And I’ll love you, always
Always, always