The Message Behind the Music-February 18

Inspiration Behind Always and Forever:

Members of the Heatwave wanted to create a love song that would stand the test of time to make their mark in music history. The initial goal was to compose a ballad with the emotions of devotion and commitment. Song writer Rod Temperton captured this vision within the lyrics of Always and Forever. Decades after Always and Forever was first released; my high school made this our theme song for Concord’s senior prom.

Biblical Application:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ⁷ And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles, 1 Timothy 2:1-7.

Exegesis of Always and Forever:

Always and forever, each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me that somehow came true
And I know tomorrow will still be the same
‘Cause we’ve got a life of love that won’t ever change and

Rod is envisioning the ideal relationship; something out of a dream. While skeptics may claim this is too good to be true, Rod has a strong belief that this relationship will continue to grow, lasting a lifetime.

Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we’ll share tomorrow together
(Always forever love you)
And I’ll always love you forever
(Always forever love you) Forever

This opening chorus sounds like a prayer to be adorned, loved and appreciated. Deep down in his heart, Rod believes that this is the woman for me.

There’ll always be sunshine when I look at you
It’s something I can’t explain just the things that you do
But if you get lonely phone me and take
A second to give to me that magic you make and

Rod is singing about a love that never gets old as it appears that this couple continues to study one another, becoming more intimate as they grow old together.

Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we’ll share tomorrow together
(Always forever love you)
I’ll always love you ever
(Always forever love you) and ever

Rod sings about a relationship void of doubt or jealousy. Breaking up isn’t even a distant thought.

Loving you (Always forever love you) is the thing that I’ve planned
For a very long time (Always forever love you)
Me with you, you with me, we as one
Love together (Always forever love you) for a very long time
Loving you

The planned comment at the beginning of this stanza suggests a shared vision to be married for a lifetime.

Always, forever love you
Always, forever love you
Ever, forever
Forever, ever
Ever
Forever loving you, loving you

This vision has created a special bond and will to love one another forever, till death do us part.

I said, “Forever love you, love you”
Forever (Always forever love you)
Forever

These lyrics express a type of marriage that God intended human beings to enter into.

Final Thoughts:

Learning to dance as a sophomore in high school was like breaking a chain of depression that consumed my life. While I experienced more pain in my initial high school relationships by being dumped, dancing freed me from being the shy boy sitting in a chair watching everyone else dance. Subsequently, when ballads like Always and Forever cleared the dance floor for couples, I eventually overcome my fear of stuttering to ask girls to a slow dance. Always and Forever bring back fond memories of high school, especially the friends that I still hold dear.

by Jay Mankus