Bon Jovi Always Lyrics, Guitar Chords & the Deep Meaning Behind the Song
There are some songs that never fade — and when it comes to the timeless power ballad “Always” by Bon Jovi, it’s easy to see why. Since its release in 1994, “Always” has spoken to countless hearts with its raw emotion, romantic longing, and bittersweet sense of regret. In this article, you’ll get the full lyrics, chords, and a thoughtful interpretation of what makes this song so enduringly powerful.
🎸 Lyrics & Guitar Chords for “Always”
Intro:
E A C#m B A A
Bait 1:
C#m
This Romeo is bleeding
B
But you can’t see his blood
A
It’s nothing but some feelings
G#m G#m
That this old dog
A B
Kicked up
Bait 2:
C#m
It’s been raining since you left me
B
Now I’m drowning, in the flood
A
You see I’ve always been a fighter
G#m G#m
But without you
A B
I’d give up
Pre-Reff:
C#m
Now I can’t sing a love song
B
Like the way it’s meant to be
A
Well I guess I’m not that good anymore
B B A B
But baby that’s just me
Reff:
E
Yeah…I
B
Will love you
F#m
Baby
C#m B E
Always, and I’ll be there
B A
Forever and a day
C#m B
Always
E
I’ll be there
Till the stars don’t shine
B
Till the heavens burst
And the words don’t rhyme
A
I know when I die
You’ll be on my mind
B B
And I’ll love you
A B C#m A A A B
Always
Bait 3:
C#m
Now the pictures that
You left behind
B
Are just memories
From a different life
A
Some that made us laugh
Some that made us cry
G#m G#m
One that made you
A B
Have to say goodbye
Bait 4:
C#m
What I’d give to run my fingers
Throught your hair
B
Touch your lips
To hold you near
A
When you say your prayers
Try to understand
G#m G#m
I’ve made mistakes
A B
I’m just a man
Pre-Reff:
C#m
When he holds you close
When he pulls your near
B
When he says the words
You’ve been needing to hear
A
I wish, I was him
‘Cause these words are mine
B B
To say to you
A B
Till the end of time
Reff:
E
Yeah…I
B
Will love you
F#m
Baby
C#m B E
Always, and I’ll be there
B A
Forever and a day
C#m B
Always
Bridge:
D G
If you told me to cry for you
A
I could
D G A
If you told me to die for you
Bm
I would
A G
Take a look at my face
D/F# A
There’s no price I won’t pay
A
To say these words to you
Instrumen:
E B F#m C#m B E B A B B A B
Bait 5:
A
Well there ain’t no luck
In these loaded dice
B
But baby if you give me just one more try
C#m
We can pack up our own dreams and our own lives
B
We’ll find a place
A A B B
Where the sun still shines
Reff:
E
Yeah…I
B
Will love you
F#m
Baby
C#m B E
Always, and I’ll be there
B A
Forever and a day
C#m B
Always
E
I’ll be there
Till the stars don’t shine
B
Till the heavens burst
And the words don’t rhyme
A
I know when I die
You’ll be on my mind
B B
And I’ll love you
A B E
Always
Outro:
E B C#m B A
E B C#m B A
E B C#m B A
E B C#m B A
The Story Behind the Song
“Always” was released as a new single from Bon Jovi’s first greatest‑hits album, Cross Road, in September 1994. Over time, it became one of the band’s best‑selling singles — with over a million copies sold in the U.S. and more than three million worldwide.
Interestingly, the song was originally written for the soundtrack of the 1993 crime film Romeo Is Bleeding. But after the film flopped, the track was shelved — until a friend convinced lead singer Jon Bon Jovi to re‑record and release it with the band. The rest — as they say — is rock history.
What “Always” Means: Themes & Emotional Depth
At first glance, “Always” seems like a straightforward love song — but beneath the soaring vocals and soft‑rock chords lies a complex tapestry of feelings: love, regret, longing, and the haunting hope for redemption.
1. Eternal Love Despite Distance and Time
One of the most powerful themes in “Always” is the idea of timeless love — even when separation, mistakes, or betrayal threaten to tear people apart. The lyric “I’ll be there till the stars don’t shine” evokes a commitment that defies time and circumstances. It speaks to the hope that true love can endure beyond endings, beyond pain.
2. Regret and the Desire for a Second Chance
The song’s narrator admits to being flawed and longing for forgiveness. That feeling of “I messed up, but I still love you” resonates deeply for anyone who’s ever yearned for redemption in love. “Always” doesn’t shy away from that darkness; instead, it embraces vulnerability and the universal longing to mend what was broken.
3. Emotional Conflict — Stay or Let Go
What makes “Always” emotionally rich is its honest portrayal of inner conflict. The narrator struggles between holding on to love and accepting that letting go might be the only way forward. It’s a dilemma many listeners relate to — the push and pull between hope and reality, love and self‑preservation.
4. Romantic Beauty with a Shadow of Obsession
On the surface, “Always” is romantic and beautiful. But there’s also a darker undercurrent of longing and obsession, making the love described in the song feel intense and sometimes painful. It’s not just a sweet ballad — it’s a raw confession of desire, regret, and undying devotion rolled into one.
Why “Always” Still Resonates After Decades
“Always” remains relevant today because it taps into universal human emotions. Many people have experienced love, loss, regret, or the urge to reach back and apologize. The song’s powerful combination of heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody, and emotional honesty gives listeners a cathartic outlet for their feelings.
Moreover, for musicians or guitar lovers, the song’s chords and structure make it perfect for serenading or personal introspection — whether you sing solo or share it with someone special.
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In short, whether you’re remembering a lost love, hoping for forgiveness, or just feeling nostalgic, “Always” by Bon Jovi has a way of touching the soul. Its themes of eternal love, regret, longing, and emotional turmoil make it more than a song — it’s an emotional journey many can relate to.
