Burning The Ground Exclusive
By the time Out of Order arrived in 1988, Rod Stewart was well into his late-career renaissance—slick production, big singles, and a renewed commercial presence, particularly in the U.S. Yet Forever Young stood apart from the album’s radio-ready polish. It wasn’t just another hit single; it was personal, reflective, and quietly profound.
Released as a single in 1989, Forever Young became one of Stewart’s most enduring songs, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 9 on Canada’s RPM charts. While it never achieved the same level of success in the UK, the song resonated deeply with American audiences, eventually taking on an almost anthem-like status.
Stewart co-wrote the song with longtime bandmates Jim Cregan (guitar) and Kevin Savigar (keyboards), and its inspiration came directly from his family life. In a 1995 interview with Mojo magazine, Stewart described the song as one of his personal favorites, explaining that it was written for his children—an expression of love mixed with regret. Touring commitments had caused him to miss several formative years in the lives of his older children, Sean and Kimberly, a realization that clearly weighs on the song’s emotional core.
That sense of reflection shapes the lyrics, which read like a blessing passed from parent to child—hopeful but grounded, tender without being naïve. Lines about integrity, courage, and resilience feel lived-in, not idealized. Stewart isn’t offering platitudes; he’s offering hard-earned wisdom.
The song’s lyrical structure also bears a noticeable resemblance to Bob Dylan’s Forever Young. Rather than becoming a source of conflict, the similarity was handled with mutual respect. Stewart sent the song to Dylan after its completion, and the two agreed to share ownership and royalties—an unusually graceful resolution that speaks volumes about both artists.
The production of Forever Young is another key part of its identity. The track was produced by Andy Taylor—best known as the guitarist for Duran Duran—alongside Bernard Edwards of Chic. At the time, Taylor and Edwards were also bandmates in The Power Station, a project that fused new wave, funk, and rock into a powerful hybrid sound. That sensibility carries over here: the rhythm section is tight and confident, the guitars are clean but assertive, and the overall feel balances late-’80s polish with genuine musical weight. It’s a sound that supports the song’s emotional message without overwhelming it.
Musically, Forever Young exists in multiple forms. The best-known version is the anthemic, driving arrangement released in the U.S., built for radio and stadium-sized emotion. Stewart later revisited the song in a more restrained form, recording a mellow version for his 1996 compilation If We Fall in Love Tonight, and an even more intimate piano-and-vocal take appears on The Rod Stewart Sessions 1971–1998. A live version from his 1993 MTV Unplugged performance—eventually released as a bonus track on Rhino’s 2009 Unplugged… and Seated Collector’s Edition—reveals the song’s emotional core with remarkable clarity.
The song also became culturally ubiquitous. In January 1989, NBC Sports used Forever Young as the soundtrack for a sweeping year-in-review montage aired immediately after Super Bowl XXIII, tying the song to moments from the 1988 Summer Olympics, the World Series, the Fiesta Bowl, and the Super Bowl itself—a move that further cemented its place in American pop culture.
The accompanying music video reinforces the song’s themes, featuring Stewart singing to a young child while images of rural America unfold in the background. Filmed along Potrero Road in Hidden Valley, Ventura County, California, the visuals echo the song’s emphasis on innocence, continuity, and the passage of time.
Why It Still Matters
What gives Forever Young its lasting power is that it isn’t anchored to a specific moment in Rod Stewart’s career—or even to the late ’80s sound that surrounds it. The song endures because its message evolves as the listener does. Heard young, it feels like encouragement. Heard later in life, it feels like reflection—and sometimes, quiet reckoning. In a catalog filled with swagger, romance, and spectacle, Forever Young stands out for its humility. It’s a reminder that success, fame, and momentum eventually give way to what we hope we’ve passed on to the people we love. That sentiment hasn’t aged a day.
SIDE A:
Forever Young (Remix) 6:24
Engineer [Assistant] – Rick Butts
Engineer, Producer [Additional] – Paul Brown
Remix – Club J.
Saxophone [Solo] – Sam Rainey
Written-By – J. Cregan, K. Savigar*
SIDE B:
Days Of Rage 4:12
Written-By – A. Taylor*
Forever Young (LP Version) 4:05
Written-By – J. Cregan, K. Savigar
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | #12 | 1988 |
| US Billboard Adult Contemporary | #3 | 1988 |
| UK Singles | #57 | 1988 |
| Canadian Singles Chart | #9 | 1988 |
| South Africa | #3 | 1988 |
| Italy Airplay | #5 | 1988 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Warner Bros. Records – W7796 T
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1988
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Producer – Andy Taylor, Bernard Edwards, Rod Stewart
NOTES:
Side A: From the Warner Bros. album Out Of Order; Side B: Not available on any album
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
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They didn’t credit Bob Dylan at all? How did they get away with that? just look at the Dylan lyrics. I always thought this was an acknowledged cover song.
Yayy! Glad to see this pop up, because it recalls a special memory for me. I graduated from college spring of ’89 and my Mom wrote the lyrics to this song on my graduation card. It always takes me back to that proud moment.
Beyond the nostalgia, it’s just a well-written song one can use as a guiding light of sorts for all of life.
And I love hearing the remix here, which is new to me even though I bought the vinyl LP with the regular song when it came out.
Thanks a lot for all you do, Paul!
Brit here, and I’m embarrassed to say that’s my first time hearing that song. It just didn’t register here whatsoever, but then lots of great American hits at that time didn’t. Just shows how many great songs were released in the 80s, when you can keep discovering them all these years later. Think the only Rod song I remember from around that time was his cover of ‘Downtown Train’. Thanks for the upload, will give it a listen.
Fantastic Paul!! Your write-up hits the nail on the head and as you mentioned, this song was ubiquitous on MTV, radio, sports, you name it. The album, Out Of Order, was considered a comeback for Rod with more emphasis placed on crafting memorable hooks and radio-friendly material. Excellent production from Bernard Edwards and Andy Taylor, with his signature fiery guitar work! Even still, as you mentioned Forever Young stood out. For me, especially the video really drove home the idea of Rod Stewart’s paternal side with his son. The messaging resonated with all of us! So excited to have this… Read more »
P.S. Your write-ups could form the basis of a book about the 12 inch single era at some point! Just food for thought…
Completely agree !!
This is a great song, thank you for sharing this one Dj Paul. It really hits a bit different hearing it now than long ago. It’s a song that I was familiar with but it had that ‘adult contemporary’ vibe that didn’t particularly thrill me. Not like Infatuation or Young Turks! But hearing it again years later, and really listening, it’s so soulful and hopeful. And now the remix makes it even better. I don’t recall hearing this remix version ever before, and it really elevates everything for me. And don’t forget that sax! So smooth! What a way to… Read more »
Thank you, JP! I love how you describe the shift in how the song hits now versus back then — that’s one of the real joys of revisiting these tracks with a little more life behind us. I know exactly what you mean about the adult‑contemporary sheen it had in the day; it didn’t have the immediate punch of “Infatuation” or “Young Turks,” but when you really listen, there’s so much soul and optimism woven into it. I’m thrilled the remix was new for you. It really does open the song up — the arrangement breathes more, the groove settles… Read more »
Had to add one more comment….Fun fact, the video was directed By Eric Watson, who did nearly every video by Pet Shop Boys 1985-1991, the theme in this video got revisited in Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s Alright” video in 1989. I think the extended version sounds more like the original take and the single sounds more remixed and refined for the times, vocal delay etc.
Rod Stewart – Forever Young (1988) The essence of the song. More than just a chart hit, “Forever Young” is a musical blessing. Stewart wrote the lyrics with his children in mind, giving them a genuine emotional depth that resonates in every verse. It’s a father’s prayer for his children to maintain their integrity, courage, and above all, their zest for life. Why does it still resonate? Unlike other hits from that era that might sound dated, the message of “Forever Young” is universal. It has become the go-to soundtrack for graduations, birthdays, and farewells, reminding us that youth isn’t… Read more »
Thank you, Rubén — what a beautiful way to frame this song. You captured exactly why “Forever Young” rises above its chart position and becomes something much more personal. Knowing Rod wrote it with his children in mind gives every line that extra weight, and you can really feel that mix of love, hope, and quiet guidance woven through the lyrics. You’re absolutely right about its staying power. Some songs age with their production, but this one carries a message that never loses relevance. It’s become one of those universal touchstones — the kind of track people return to at… Read more »
Good to see another RS post on here. I still play your rip transfer of Every Beat Of My Heart and Infatuation.
Thanks Paul 🙂
It was my pleasure, Mark. Have a great weekend.
I feel really dumb. I did not know Andy & Bernard were involved in this! 🤯. It is a stellar track, although at the time I was annoyed by the title and my love for Alphaville. 😆😆😆😆 so embarrassing to remember dumb stuff from younger days!
No need to feel that way, ING. I recently discovered that Andy and Bernard were involved while doing research for this post, a detail that was easy to miss. Have a great weekend. 😊
I was excited to see that this tune had a remix to it! Rod Stewart has had a big career, going back into the 1970s. Hearing this song now is very different to hearing it back in the day. It’s interesting to reflect on its lyrics now that I’m much older. Thanks, Paul, for this re-spin as it’s been years since I’ve last heard it!
Thank you, Paul, for a great week of posts. I hope you have a great weekend!
Have a nice weekend, everyone! Please don’t get caught in the bad weather!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff, have a great weekend. Many blessings to you and your family.
Dear Rubén,
You’re a sweetheart!! Thanks for the weekend well-wishes! It made my day! I wish you the same too!
Cheers!
Jeff
Thank you, Jeff! I’m really glad this one landed for you. It’s funny how a song like “Forever Young” can feel completely different once a few decades have passed — the production stays the same, but we change, and suddenly the lyrics hit with a whole new kind of clarity. Rod really poured his heart into this one, and hearing it with a little more life experience behind us gives it a deeper glow. I’m also happy the remix was a nice surprise. It doesn’t get talked about much, but it adds such a warm lift to the track —… Read more »
At the time Rod Stewart was at a real commercial peak, he also seemed like someone who had been around for A REALLY REALLY REALLY LONG TIME… and now to put it in perspective, The Killers have been around as long as Rod Stewart had been at this point, let that sink in. Good song, I guess that kid is in his 40’s now. When I was in High School we made a video yearbook and this song was a serious contender, but we decided against it… as we felt it might come across too depressing, especially in the future… Read more »
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Thank you, Joey — your perspective always cracks me up and makes me think at the same time. It is wild to remember how “forever” Rod already felt by the late ’80s… and now realizing The Killers have been around just as long really does make the room spin a little. Time has a funny way of sneaking up on all of us. And yes, that “kid” from the video being in his 40s now is exactly the kind of detail that makes this song hit differently. What once felt like a glossy adult‑contemporary single suddenly becomes a little more… Read more »
I had this on one of those small 3″ cd’s. I don’t know if I still do. Good song.
I’ve always loved those mini CD singles, but I never bought very many.
I have always loved this song. The music video probably helped because it evoked that strong emotion of a parent wanting the best for a child. It is amazing how long Rod Stewart’s career has been and how was able to keep up with the times. As always thanks for another great cut Paul!
Thank you, Mikey‑D! I’m really glad this one still hits the heart for you. That video absolutely amplified the emotion — Rod walking with that young boy, all those quiet moments of guidance and protection — it captured the spirit of the song so perfectly. Knowing he wrote it with his own kids in mind just makes it resonate even more as the years go by. And you’re right, his longevity is something else. Few artists have managed to reinvent themselves across so many eras while still keeping that unmistakable Rod Stewart soul at the center. Really appreciate the kind… Read more »