Meaning of "Every Now And Then" by Alan Jackson

"Every Now And Then" delves into the theme of unresolved feelings and the persistent presence of a past love. The lyrics suggest that even when a person believes they have moved on from a relationship, the love and memories still have the power to re-emerge unexpectedly. The repetition of "every now and then" signifies that these moments of reminiscence occur sporadically, which can be comforting or unsettling.

The song acknowledges the conflicting emotions that arise from this experience. On one hand, there is a sense of longing and nostalgia for what once was, evident in lines such as "Just when you have turned the page, it seems to find a way" and "Somehow keeps on hanging on." This is juxtaposed with the desire to move forward and let go: "You can finally breathe life in, without wondering where she's been." The lyrics express the struggle of trying to reconcile these contrasting emotions and the ongoing battle between the heart and the mind.

The chorus emphasizes the recurrent nature of these emotions, as well as the ability for past love to resurface in unexpected ways. The line "Every now and then I see your face in another cloud" suggests that even ordinary things, like clouds in the sky, can trigger memories of the person they used to love. The repetition of "every now and then" in the chorus emphasizes the frequency of these experiences.

The bridge of the song acknowledges the futility of trying to return to the past, stating "I know it's all for nothing, there's no going back to way back then." This line highlights the understanding that these moments of recollection are transitory and cannot bring back what has been lost. Despite this knowledge, the singer still confesses "I still love you," revealing the enduring nature of their feelings, even though they no longer have a place in the present.

Overall, "Every Now And Then" explores the timeless theme of lingering love and the way past relationships can continue to affect someone long after they have moved on. The song captures the bittersweet nature of these emotions, underscoring the complexity of human connection and the power of memory.