Eight years old, hammerin’ my old go kart
With a two-by-four and dream in my folks’ backyard
The steerin’ wheel was a rope, when it broke, I lost
Life put a knife in my dream when the wheels came off
That was then, this is now
World keeps spinnin’, ’round and ’round
You’re either up or you’re upside down
Every road has led me back around
Tears will fall and scars will fade
You learn to live with the mess you’ve made
A broken road still gets ya home somehow
That was then, this is now
Firin’ off pistons, all pistons in a little red dress
A chrome-plated heart teaches somethin’ that you never forget
She’ll take you to the finish line but you’re never gonna cross
Crashed in a dead-end street when the wheels came off
That was then, this is now
World keeps spinnin’, ’round and ’round
You’re either up or you’re upside down
Every road has led me back around
Tears will fall and scars will fade
You learn to live with the mess you’ve made
A broken road still gets ya home somehow
That was then, this is now
That was then, this is now
Sometimes at night, my mind plays tricks on me
Tells me that this dream just don’t work out
Haunted by ghosts that I can see (See, see)
That was then, this is now
World keeps spinnin’, ’round and ’round
You’re either up or you’re upside down
Every road has led me back around
Tears will fall and scars will fade
You learn to live with the mess you’ve made
A broken road still gets ya home somehow
That was then, this is now
That was then, this is now
Reflecting on Change and Resilience
“That Was Then, This Is Now” by Bon Jovi takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through memories of youth, setbacks, and the constant evolution that shapes us. The song opens with nostalgic imagery—a child’s go-kart built with dreams and determination—symbolizing early ambitions and the inevitable disappointments that follow. As the lyrics progress, Bon Jovi emphasizes the relentless passage of time and the unpredictability of life. No matter how many times the road breaks or dreams falter, the message is clear: every challenge carves a new path forward. The refrain, “That was then, this is now,” serves as a mantra for embracing change and moving beyond the scars of the past, highlighting the importance of growth and self-acceptance.
Song Credits
“That Was Then, This Is Now” is performed by Bon Jovi. Songwriting credits include Jon Bon Jovi and Billy Falcon. The track was released in 2024.