Bon Jovi – “Always”: A Power Ballad for the Brokenhearted
Released in 1994 as part of Bon Jovi’s Cross Road greatest hits compilation, “Always” is one of the band’s most enduring and emotionally charged tracks. Written by Jon Bon Jovi, the song takes the listener on a journey through heartbreak, longing, and undying love — wrapped in a lush arrangement of piano, soaring guitar, and powerful vocals.
It’s not just a love song. It’s a plea, a confession, and a desperate vow — the kind of emotional rawness that struck a chord with fans across the globe, turning “Always” into one of Bon Jovi’s biggest international hits.
The Sound: Soft Beginnings, Thunderous Emotion
“Always” opens with a melancholic piano motif, setting a reflective tone before slowly building into a full-blown power ballad. The song showcases:
- Rich, layered instrumentation that moves from soft keys to thunderous guitar solos
- David Bryan’s cinematic keyboards, giving the track a sense of romantic drama
- Richie Sambora’s iconic guitar solo, melodic and weeping, perfectly echoing the song’s sorrow
- Jon Bon Jovi’s emotionally raw vocal performance, starting tender and rising to passionate highs
The production, courtesy of Peter Collins, walks a fine line between grandiosity and intimacy, allowing the song’s emotional center to shine through without being overpowered by theatrics.
The Lyrics: Desperate Love, Forever Echoing
“This Romeo is bleeding / But you can’t see his blood…”
From the opening line, Bon Jovi draws a vivid picture of wounded masculinity, playing on Shakespearean archetypes while revealing deep vulnerability. This isn’t just heartbreak — it’s obsession, regret, and undying commitment, even when the relationship is over.
“I’ll be there ’til the stars don’t shine / ‘Til the heavens burst and the words don’t rhyme…”
The chorus is pure power ballad poetry — dramatic, hyperbolic, and deeply affecting. It speaks to the kind of love that can’t let go, even when it should. This is the voice of a lover who’s been left behind but refuses to stop feeling.
The song walks a thin line between romantic and self-destructive, which only adds to its emotional intensity.
Origins: From Film Soundtrack to Rock Staple
Interestingly, “Always” was originally written for the 1993 film Romeo Is Bleeding but was pulled by Jon Bon Jovi after he disliked the movie. The song was shelved until it was included in Cross Road, where it became a massive standalone hit.
- Peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100
- Reached #1 in several countries, including Canada and Switzerland
- Sold over 1 million copies in the U.S. alone
- Became one of the most requested Bon Jovi songs in concert, especially in Europe and Latin America
It proved that Bon Jovi’s balladry could hit just as hard as their rock anthems — and arguably even more so.
The Video: Noir Romance and 1990s Melodrama
The music video for “Always” features a love triangle filled with passion, betrayal, and tension, starring Keri Russell and Jack Noseworthy. Directed by Marty Callner (known for many of the band’s videos), it uses moody lighting, slow motion, and dramatic edits to match the song’s emotional weight.
It’s peak ’90s music video storytelling — a little over the top, but undeniably compelling.
Legacy: Bon Jovi’s Ultimate Heartbreaker
While many associate Bon Jovi with stadium rockers like “Livin’ on a Prayer” or “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Always” showcases a different side: earnest, aching, and unashamedly romantic.
It continues to appear on best-of lists for power ballads, and its timeless themes of love and loss make it a go-to track for heartbroken souls worldwide.
Final Thoughts
“Always” is Bon Jovi at their most emotionally naked — vulnerable, desperate, and real. It’s a love song written not from the honeymoon phase, but from the wreckage after it all falls apart. And yet, it offers a strange comfort: the idea that some feelings, no matter how painful, are worth holding onto.
It’s the song you put on when the pain is still fresh.
When you’re remembering the way it used to be.
And maybe, just maybe, still hoping for a second chance.
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