About the song
Released in 1998, “Immortality” is one of the Bee Gees’ later compositions, written specifically for Céline Dion and included on her album Let’s Talk About Love. While the Bee Gees themselves did not officially release the song under their own name at the time, they performed backing vocals on Dion’s version and later included their own rendition on their 2001 greatest hits collection, Their Greatest Hits: The Record.
A Song of Timeless Legacy
“Immortality” is a song deeply embedded in the themes of perseverance, destiny, and leaving behind a lasting legacy. Lyrically, it reflects on the idea of continuing forward despite life’s struggles, guided by an unwavering belief in purpose and love. The song’s opening lines set the tone:
“So this is who I am / And this is all I know / And I must choose to live / For all that I can give.”
These words encapsulate a profound sense of self-determination and resilience, which resonated deeply with listeners. The song is not just about physical immortality, but the idea that one’s actions, love, and impact on the world can live on forever. This theme is especially poignant given the Bee Gees’ own legacy as one of the most influential songwriting and performing groups in pop music history.
A Collaboration That Transcended Time
The Bee Gees originally wrote “Immortality” with the intention of creating a grand, emotionally stirring ballad—something that played to Céline Dion’s strengths as a vocalist. It became one of the standout tracks on her Let’s Talk About Love album, which also featured collaborations with legends like Barbra Streisand and Luciano Pavarotti. The Bee Gees‘ presence on the song, providing their signature harmonies, gave it an unmistakable warmth and depth.
Musically, “Immortality” is a soaring orchestral ballad, driven by a heartfelt melody and lush instrumentation. The song’s arrangement builds gradually, starting with delicate piano and soft strings, before reaching a dramatic and emotionally charged climax. This grand production style was a hallmark of Céline Dion’s late-1990s sound, but it also bore the unmistakable Bee Gees touch—a balance of tenderness and power.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
When released as a single in 1998, “Immortality” became a global success, charting highly across Europe, Canada, and Asia. It was particularly well-received in Germany, where it reached No. 2, and in the UK, where it became a Top 10 hit. The song’s themes of legacy and perseverance took on an even deeper meaning after the passing of Maurice Gibb in 2003 and Robin Gibb in 2012. To many fans, “Immortality” became a symbolic farewell—a song that represents the eternal spirit of the Bee Gees and their impact on music history.
Over the years, the song has continued to be cherished by fans of both Céline Dion and the Bee Gees, with various live performances keeping its legacy alive. The Bee Gees‘ ability to craft a song that feels both personal and universal is part of what made them legendary, and “Immortality” stands as one of their most heartfelt and enduring compositions.
Video
Lyrics
so this is who i amand this is all i knowand i must choose to livefor all that i can givethe spark that makes the power growand i will stand for my dream if i cansymbol of my faith in who i ambut you are my onlyand i must follow on the road that lies aheadand i won’t let my heart control my headbut you are my onlyand we don’t say good byeand i know what i’ve got to beimmortalityi make my journey through eternityi keep the memory of you and me insidefufill your destinyis there within the childmy storm will never endmy fate is on the windthe king of hearts, the joker’s wildbut we don’t say goodbyei’ll make them all remember mecause i have found a dream that must come trueevery ounce of me must see it throughbut you are my onlyi’m sorry i don’t have a role for love to playhand over my heart i’ll find a wayi will make them give it to meimmortalitythere is a vision and a fire in mei keep the memory of you and me insideand we don’t say goodbyewith all my love for youand what else we may dowe don’t say goodbye