In 1989, Skid Row released the last single from their self-titled album and to me it represents one of the last ‘80s big time love ballads. It was a power ballad and when you listen to the lyrics you would think it was a love song someone wrote after being dumped. I cannot find in all my searches a resource that provides the actual idea of the song and where it came from. The lyrics have been a powerful part of my thinking process. They remind me to always enjoy the time you have with those you love because we never know when that time is going to end.
Today is Valentine’s Day and we are focused so much on the subject of love. I remember years ago when I used to stay up and watch Jay Leno; he made the remark one year that he could predict the future. He said that if you act now you could get a deal on roses. He predicted the price of roses would rise on the east coast to triple what they were that day just for Valentine’s Day. I thought that was funny at the time, but now I see the connection. There’s also a connection to the song.
In my younger years I would go all out to get some great gift for the love in my life at the moment. I thought that was what the day was all about: showing her you love her with the expensive flower arrangement that will be dead in a week. I think of this song and the words, how a whisper of the wind would make him think of her. How he talks of painting a picture of the life they had in the days of old. Talking about walking on the beach holding hands, writing love letters in the sand. You know those moments in a love story are more memorable than the flowers you bought for her. The fact that they wrote love letters in the sand to each other on a beach — that is a priceless gift with a lasting memory that costs nothing but time to make.
As I read these lyrics it made me think of an old man sitting on his porch watching the rain fall. He is remembering the days with his wife when they met, maybe as teens. He was thinking of the times they shared, how much he loved her and maybe now she is gone. He tells her how she was his dream come true.
In another story I read on the history of the song, Sebastian Bach was quoted in 2007 saying this song was the most popular song at proms in America in 1990. It must be pretty amazing to know that something you sang was part of one of the most memorable nights so many people have –- a senior prom where they danced with their sweethearts. Did you dance to this song at your prom?
When I meet couples who had a great loving relationship with a partner that is so memorable that it is a dream come true, this is the song that comes to my mind. In my life I have loved and lost. I am building my relationship with Gwynne, letting her see the real me. I’m not buying some flowers that will be gone in a few days. I’m preparing for a week-long motorcycle trip for our honeymoon this coming summer as we travel on Harleys together, riding the great roads of New Mexico. That along with the other motorcycle trips we have taken are memories that are worth far more than any toy or gift she can get me.
One other thing the song mentions is that we have had our share of hard times – like we all have in life. Then it says that we kept the promises we made. You know that is a gift that is far more valuable: to keep the promises you make and make your loved one the dream come true in your life.
Happy Valentine’s Day. I hope you have a special person to love in your life; I hope your family gives you memories of love in your life. This day is not just about couples, but about family love. So tell us in the comment section what those great memories are in your relationships?
I’m Tim Gillette, the Rocker Life Coach; it’s time to live your dream to love what you do and those you share life with. Build great memories that last starting today and be a RockStar in your relationships.
