In 2002, Alan Jackson released the sentimental song titled “Remember When” as the second single from his Greatest Hits Volume II album. It is, without a doubt, one of the most meaningful and reflective songs in country music history. The song ended up spending two weeks at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard country chart.
Written entirely by Alan Jackson himself, “Remember When” was Jackson’s way of looking back on the early stages of his relationship with his wife, Denise Jackson, and the childhood days of their three daughters. Then, he looked toward the future, singing how they’d look back on those early days and “remember when.”
After the song was released, Billboard called the song “the most poignant, well-written country song to hit the format in a long time.” That description remains true today, as Jackson goes on to move thousands with the song. And every time Jackson performs the song, he can’t keep himself from getting emotional.
It was all evident during a concert at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California in 2015. The country icon was a bit misty-eyed as he moved through each emotional phase of “Remember When.” By the time he brought the song to a close, the entire crowd was on their feet, cheering to show how much they enjoyed his performance.
During one appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in October 2015, Jackson once again proved why he’s one of country music’s most successful artists. In a clip released by the Opry, Jackson can be seen at the center stage. He was playing his guitar while singing the reflective song. Still, Jackson had tears in his eyes during most of the performance, showing how strong his connection to the words he wrote over a decade ago.
The audience can’t help but be drawn from the very start with how tender Jackson’s delivery was. The minutes seem to fly by as Jackson sings the story of his life in the past, present, and future. The singer was then rewarded with a warm round of applause at the end of the song, which he truly deserved.
With a smile, a slight bow, and a tip of his hat, Jackson expressed his gratitude to the crowd for their enthusiasm.
“Remember When”, one of Alan Jackson’s songs is definitely one of those timeless songs with the power to move an audience of thousands, and its music video was as poignant. Directed by Trey Fanjoy, the short clip features Jackson singing the song while sitting on a stool playing guitar. There was a home movie footage of Jackson’s childhood and life playing in the background. There are also some scenes where Jackson can be seen dancing with his wife, Denise.