Forever Young

Laura Branigan's rendition of 'Forever Young' is a poignant exploration of the human desire to remain youthful and the existential questions that accompany this longing. The song opens with an invitation to dance and enjoy life, juxtaposed with the looming threat of global catastrophe, symbolized by the question, 'Are you gonna drop the bomb or not?' This sets the stage for a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the yearning to capture and preserve the essence of youth.

The lyrics delve into the dichotomy of living a short, intense life versus striving for eternal youth. Lines like 'Let us die young or let us live forever' and 'We don't have the power but we never say never' highlight the tension between our mortality and our dreams of immortality. The imagery of 'sitting in a sandpit' and 'life is a short trip' underscores the transient nature of existence, while the music, described as 'for the sad men' and 'played by the mad men,' adds a layer of melancholy and madness to the pursuit of eternal youth.

Branigan's song also touches on the inevitability of aging and the loss of dreams and opportunities that come with it. The comparison of youth to 'diamonds in the sun' suggests that while youth is precious and beautiful, it is also fleeting. The lyrics lament the adventures that couldn't happen and the songs left unplayed, symbolizing unfulfilled potential and lost dreams. Ultimately, 'Forever Young' is a meditation on the desire to hold onto the vibrancy and possibilities of youth, even as time marches on and the world changes around us.