Always Gonna Be
Dan + Shay
Timeless Love and Simple Joys in 'Always Gonna Be'
Dan + Shay's song 'Always Gonna Be' is a heartfelt ode to the timeless and simple pleasures of life, love, and the enduring nature of certain experiences. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an idyllic, small-town life where the best things are often the simplest and most enduring. The song opens with imagery of a porch swing and the fleeting nature of summertime, emphasizing that the most valuable things in life are free and everlasting. This sets the tone for a nostalgic and comforting narrative that runs throughout the song.
The chorus reinforces this theme by listing quintessentially American experiences: beer-drinking kids on backroads, country songs on the radio, and long goodbye kisses in the driveway. These images evoke a sense of community, tradition, and the unchanging nature of certain joys, no matter how much the world around us may change. The mention of the Mississippi River and the rising sun serves as metaphors for constancy and reliability, much like the love the singer feels for his partner.
In the verses dedicated to his romantic relationship, the singer expresses a deep, unwavering love. He describes his partner's eyes as his favorite blue and speaks of his commitment to holding her close for the rest of his life. The promise to always hold her hand and ask her to dance, even into old age, underscores the enduring nature of their love. This personal connection is paralleled with the universal experiences mentioned earlier, suggesting that just as some things in life are always going to be, so too will his love for her remain constant and true.
The song's blend of personal affection and universal experiences creates a warm, relatable narrative that resonates with listeners. It celebrates the beauty of life's simple pleasures and the enduring nature of true love, making it a touching and memorable piece of music.