Live Forever

Billy Joe Shaver

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now
You're gonna wanna hold me
Just like I always told you
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Nobody here will ever find me
But I always be around
Just like the songs I leave behind me
I'm gonna live forever now

You fathers and you mothers
Be good to one another
Please try to raise your children right
Don't let the darkness take 'em
Don't make 'em feel forsaken
Just lead them safely to the light
When this old world has blown asunder
And all the stars from fall this sky
Remember someone really loves you
We'll live forever you and I

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

I'm gonna live forever now
I'm gonna live forever now
I'm gonna live forever now
I'm gonna live forever now

Dream of angels and sunshine
Rivers of red wine, and orange peel blues
Dream of angels and sunshine
Rivers of red wine, and orange peel blues


Lyrics submitted by Textana

Live Forever Lyrics as written by Billy Joe Shaver Eddy (john Edwin) Shaver

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Live Forever song meanings
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4 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    While the title of this song is “Live Forever” it really seems to be about recognizing your own mortality.

    “I’m going to cross that river,” is a metaphor for passing over to the other side, which is the only way he is going to “catch tomorrow.”

    The lines: “You're gonna miss me when I’m gone Nobody here will ever find me But I always be around Just like the songs I leave behind me” Seem to confirm that idea.

    The sad thing is Billy Joe Shaver’s son Eddy co-wrote this song with him and then later passed away from a heroine overdose. I heard Shaver sing this song live with Robert Earl Keen, Todd Snider and others on KPIG’s (Freedom, CA) Texas Uprising after his son’s death and you could tell it was hard for him to sing it.

    This song has been covered many times over by several different artists, but I still like Shaver’s version the best. Shaver is one of the original Texas Outlaw singers and it is good to see him finally get some of the recognition he so rightly deserves.

    Textanaon February 24, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I totally agree. I saw Billy joe perform this weekend. MARVELOUS! He did "Star in my heart" and this song afterwards. It was so touching. "Live forever" is a wonderful song.

    McAnon August 07, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I am trying to decide what the line "orange peel blues" refers to. Anyone know?

    RankinBranchon April 18, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's a song about your legend living on after your death through your loved ones memories and stories.

    robnaton August 10, 2021   Link

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