Introduction
Jackson, a 21-time ACM Award winner, stood at the podium alongside his wife, Denise, to accept the award, expressing his deep gratitude. He shared that songwriting had always been his top priority, stating, “I’ve always put songwriting at the top of my list when it comes to making music.” Reflecting on his journey, he noted, “I realized a long time ago life gives you a lot of ingredients for songwriting,” emphasizing how personal experiences have shaped his music over the years .
This recognition places Alan Jackson among the esteemed company of previous honorees such as Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Willie Nelson, solidifying his legacy as a cornerstone of country music storytelling. His acceptance of the ACM Poet’s Award serves as a testament to his enduring impact and dedication to the art of songwriting
Alan Jackson Gives Moving Performance Of “Remember When” At The 2025 ACM Awards
Watch Alan Jackson’s ACM Award Performance
Watch a clip from his performance of “Remember When” below.
Echoes of Time: Why “Remember When” by Alan Jackson Still Moves Us Today
There are songs that entertain, and then there are songs that linger—quietly settling into the corners of our memory and staying there for years, even decades. Alan Jackson – Remember When is one of those rare pieces of music that transcends mere melody. It’s a heartfelt recollection, a gentle walk down memory lane that captures the spirit of love, family, and the unrelenting passage of time.
Released in 2003, this ballad isn’t just another country tune—it’s a personal reflection from Jackson himself, detailing the journey of a life shared with his wife, Denise. But what makes Alan Jackson – Remember When truly remarkable is its universal resonance. You don’t have to know the specifics of his story to feel its weight. The lyrics speak directly to anyone who’s ever looked back at the early days of a relationship, the joy and chaos of raising children, or the bittersweet quiet that follows once the nest is empty.
The song is elegantly understated, driven by a soft acoustic guitar and Jackson’s warm, sincere vocals. There’s no need for flashy production or grand theatrics here. The power lies in its simplicity—something that feels increasingly rare in today’s music landscape. Each verse is a vignette, a snapshot of life’s milestones, woven together with honesty and tenderness.
What also stands out is how Jackson handles the concept of aging and change. Rather than resist it, the song embraces it. There’s no bitterness, only gratitude. In a culture often obsessed with youth, Remember When dares to celebrate growing older—and the wisdom and beauty that come with it.
In short, this song is a gift to anyone who values memories, relationships, and the quiet, meaningful moments that make up a life. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or returning to it after many years, Alan Jackson – Remember When offers a kind of comfort that only the most sincere music can provide.
Video
Lyrics
Remember when I was young and so were you
And time stood still and love was all we knew
You were the first, so was I We made love and then you cried
Remember when
Remember when we vowed the vows
And walked the walk
Gave our hearts, made the start, it was hard
We lived and learned, life threw curves
There was joy, there was hurt
Remember when
Remember when old ones died and new were born
And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged
We came together, fell apart
And broke each other’s hearts
Remember when
Remember when the sound of little feet
Was the music
We danced to week to week
Brought back the love, we found trust
Vowed we’d never give it up
Remember when
Remember when thirty seemed so old
Now lookn’ back it’s just a steppin’ stone
To where we are
Where we’ve been
Said we’d do it all again
Remember when
Remember when we said when we turned gray
When the children grow up and move away
We won’t be sad, we’ll be glad
For all the life we’ve had
And we’ll remember when