I was a little boy of 9 years old
The whole world in my hands
Trying to toss that ball across the yard
A game of catch with my old man
He would always say I’m sorry
Every time he had to leave
And I was much too young to understand
When he would say to me
When you’re young you always think
The sun is gonna shine
There will come a day
When you have to say hello to goodbye
Sit down son take my hand,
Look me in the eye
Take these words, promise me
You’ll live before you die
I was barely seventeen summer of seventy-nine
Already I was feeling like I was running out of time
I had this girl we fell in love
Or should I say that she had me
Then one fateful night changed our lives
And made a memory
When you’re young you always think
The sun is gonna shine
There will come a day
When you have to say hello to goodbye
She laid me down she took my hand
And looked me in the eye
And just before she kissed me she said
You got to live before we die
You learn to love to live
You fight and you forgive
You learn what’s wrong and right
You live before you die
I made mistakes I caught some breaks
But I got no regrets
There’s some things I don’t remember
But one thing I don’t forget
When you’re young you always think
The sun is gonna shine
One day you’re gonna have to say hello to goodbye
Shout it out let someone somewhere
Know that you’re alive
Take these words wear them well
Live before you die
Live before you die
Hey!
Live before you die
You learn to love to live
You fight and you forgive
You face the darkest night
Just live before you die
Reflections on Life, Love, and Letting Go
“Live Before You Die” by Bon Jovi delivers a heartfelt message about cherishing life’s fleeting moments. The lyrics trace the journey from childhood innocence to the bittersweet wisdom of adulthood, drawing on vivid memories of family and young love. The recurring advice to “live before you die” is passed down from father to son, and later echoed by a first love, emphasizing the importance of embracing life’s opportunities while you can. The song’s narrative reminds listeners that time is precious, and goodbyes are inevitable—but within those goodbyes lies the power to forgive, love deeply, and make every moment count.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bon Jovi
- Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Falcon
- Release Year: 2002
- Label: Island Records