“I Remember You” is a power ballad by the American heavy metal band Skid Row, released on November 18, 1989, as the third single from their self-titled debut album. Written by bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo, the song reached number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was famously cited by vocalist Sebastian Bach as the number-one prom song in the United States in 1990.
Despite its massive success, Bolan and Sabo initially resisted recording the track because they feared being labeled a “chick band” and preferred a hard-rock image. They only agreed to include it on the album after Sebastian Bach and their management, including Doc McGhee, convinced them of its commercial potential. The duo even negotiated a stipulation with producer Michael Wagener that the final recording contain no keyboards, a condition Wagener agreed to in order to secure the song’s inclusion.
Despite its success, Skid Row’s signature power ballad “I Remember You” almost didn’t make the record. Its writers, Rachel Bolan and Dave “The Snake” Sabo, didn’t want Skid Row to be known as a “chick band” and were considering not releasing the song. To the relief of fans everywhere, and of the band’s sales figures, singer Sebastian Bach stood up for the track and it it was released as the third single from their debut album.
It’s an all time classic power ballad, which has Sebastian pining over a lost love. Whatever pulled them apart is left to the imagination as the lyrics instead focus on the less concrete memories and emotions he has surrounding the relationship.
The soft lyrics and unique sound, blending almost folksy acoustic guitar playing that was uncommon at the time, paid off. “I Remember You” got Skid Row their second top ten spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and their second gold certification, though this one was in Australia and not their home in the States.
[Verse 1]
Woke up to the sound of pourin’ rain
The wind would whisper and I’d think of you
And all the tears you cried, that called my name
And when you needed me, I came through
[Verse 2]
I paint a picture of the days gone by
When love went blind and you would make me see
I’d stare a lifetime into your eyes
So that I knew that you were there for me
Time after time, you were there for me
[Chorus]
Remember yesterday, walkin’ hand in hand
Love letters in the sands, I remember you
And through the sleepless nights, through every endless day
I’d wanna hear you say, “I remember you”
Oh-woah-oh, oh
[Verse 3]
We spent the summer with the top rolled down
Wished ever after would be like this
You said, “I love you, babe,” without a sound
I said I’d give up my life for just one kiss
I’d live for your smile and die for your kiss
[Chorus]
Remember yesterday, walkin’ hand in hand
Love letters in the sands, I remember you
And through the sleepless nights, through every endless day
I’d wanna hear you say, “I remember you,” oh
[Bridge]
We’ve had our share of hard times
But that’s the price we paid
And through it all, we kept the promise that we made
Well, I swear you’ll never be lonely
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
Oh-oh-oh, oh
[Verse 4]
We woke up to the sound of pourin’ rain
Washed away a dream of you
But nothin’ else could ever take you away
‘Cause you’ll always be my dream come true
Woah, my darlin’, I love you
[Chorus]
Remember yesterday, walkin’ hand in hand
Love letters in the sand, I remember you
And through the sleepless nights, through every endless day
I’d wanna hear you say, “I remember you”
Remember yesterday, walkin’ hand in hand
Love letters in the sands, I remember you
Through all the sleepless nights, through every endless day
I’d wanna hear you say, “I remember, I remember you”
Oh, yeah, woah, yeah
