“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Have you ever listened to a song that makes you feel like the world around you is painted in autumn’s soft colors, even if it’s the middle of summer? Justin Hayward’s “Forever Autumn” has that magical touch. Originally written for Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds, this song somehow transcended its original sci-fi context to become something profoundly human. And when performed live, Hayward breathes even more emotion into every note, making it resonate deeply with anyone who has ever loved and lost.
There’s something hauntingly beautiful about “Forever Autumn.” It’s not just a song about a season—it’s about longing, change, and the bittersweet nature of time. When Justin Hayward sings it, his voice is both gentle and heart-wrenching, perfectly capturing the essence of a season that’s as fleeting as it is beautiful. His live performances of this song are particularly special because you can hear the rawness of emotion that only a seasoned storyteller like Hayward can bring.
This song has a timeless feel that makes it relevant no matter when you hear it. It speaks to the inevitable cycles of life, where things bloom and fade, but the memory of their beauty remains forever etched in our hearts. With lyrics like, “Through autumn’s golden gown we used to kick our way,” the song evokes images of walking hand-in-hand with someone you love, surrounded by leaves crunching underfoot. But as the chorus rolls in, there’s that melancholy realization that this moment, like the season itself, is slipping away: “Now you’re not here, like a leaf on a breeze.”
When Hayward performs “Forever Autumn” live, his voice soars and dips with the melody, like a leaf caught in a gentle wind. You can sense every emotion in his delivery—the wistful nostalgia, the quiet acceptance of change, and the lingering sorrow of what was lost. It’s one thing to sing about missing someone, but it’s another to make an audience feel that ache. And that’s exactly what Hayward does. Every time.
What makes “Forever Autumn” special is its universality. We’ve all had our “forever autumns” – those moments, those people, those places that we wish could have lasted a little longer. But autumn, with all its fiery beauty, is a reminder that change is inevitable, and sometimes, the most beautiful things are those that cannot stay.
So, when you listen to “Forever Autumn” performed live, let it take you on that emotional journey. Let the music wrap around you like a cool autumn breeze, carrying memories of golden days that have come and gone. And know that even though some things fade, the feelings they leave behind can last forever.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
The summer sun is fading as the year grows old
And darker days are drawing near
The winter winds will be much colder
Now you’re not here
[Verse 2]
I watch the birds fly south across the autumn sky
And one by one they disappear
I wish that I was flying with them
Now you’re not here
[Chorus]
Like the sun through the trees you came to love me
Like a leaf on a breeze you blew away
[Verse 3]
Through autumn’s golden gown we used to kick our way
You always loved this time of year
Those fallen leaves lie undisturbed now
[Bridge]
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
[Chorus]
Like the sun through the trees you came to love me
Like a leaf on a breeze you blew away
[Verse 4]
A gentle rain falls softly on my weary eyes
As if to hide a lonely tear
My life will be forever autumn
[Outro]
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here
Cos you’re not here