Memory (song)

## **Memory**

"**Memory**" is the lead single and second track off of Sean Kennedy's fourth studio album, *Forever Us*, independently released on February 10, 2023. The track was co-produced with Italian producer, Francesco Massidda. The song is about asking your partner to remember the good parts of a relationship, no matter what the future holds.

## Background and Release

Kennedy wrote "Memory" in class after being inspired by his departure for college and his thoughts about doing long distance. After recording a demo, he reached out to Italian producer, Francesco Massidda, to help him finish the track.

> I’ve made so much of my music on my own, so for this song, and my upcoming record as a whole, I wanted to branch out. I worked with Francesco Massidda, who’s an Italian producer, on the production of this song, and it was such a great experience.
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On December 14, photographer Adam Brett Schnee posted several behind the scenes pictures from an apparent shoot, which Kennedy reposted with the caption, “coming soon!”. On December 15, engineer Roman Erafficci posted a 15 second snippet of a song on his Instagram story while he was mixing it, and tagged Sean.

Kennedy then went silent until December 29, 2022, when the Instagram account @SeanKennedyOfficial shared three images reading, "Love never dies if it lives in memory". The next day, the message was posted to all of Kennedy's social medias, as well as his website.

On January 4, 2023, the Instagram account @SeanKennedyOfficial began revealing the song's cover art, posting three sections of the cover a day until it was completed on January 6.

"Memory" was officially announced on January 6, 2023, alongside pre-order, for release on February 10. Kennedy shared a teaser for the song, featuring quickly sliced clips from the music video, overlayed with an ominous sound. Sean also announced that the song's video would be released four days after, on February 14.

In a message penned to fans on the day of release, Kennedy wrote,

> I have had so many life-changing experiences and I'm beyond excited to explore those in my music with you in the coming months. I chose "Memory" as the first song for you to hear because it's a sweet, simple message. No matter now much time has passed, love can always be found in the little snapshots of life you hold close to your heart.
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## Critical Reception

"Memory" received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Sean's songwriting and performance. Prior to its release, *Rock Era Magazine* commended the track's production and Kennedy's vocals, while *TJPL News* wrote the song, "...feels classic from the moment you hear it. It's got a rose-tinted quality to it that makes it seem as if it has always been there, a sound that will survive the test of time." *Mesmerized* called the song one of Kennedy's best to date. *indiemusicflix* wrote, "Sean’s golden voice is on full display as soon as this song starts, and it organically builds to this impressive cascade." *Send Me Your Ears* noted, "The listener will undoubtedly find themselves singing along – the extra vocals in the choruses are an indication to the listener to join in too" and commended the structure of the track.

## Promotion

"Memory" was promoted alongside its music video, directed by Sean. The single was sent to domestic radio stations upon its release. Kennedy was featured in several media outlets and participated in interviews. Sean heavily promoted the track on his social medias. CD singles were sold on Kennedy's website. The song made its radio debut on June 23 on the *Formula Indie* Radio Station.

## Composition

Musically, "Memory" is an up-tempo pop-rock song. It is composed in the key of E Major, and it's in common time with a tempo of 126 beats per minute. The song features acoustic, electric and steel guitars, pianos, synthesizers, drums and percussion.

## Music Video

The music video for "Memory" was directed by Kennedy. It was premiered on February 14th on Sean's official YouTube Channel. The video sees Sean in a variety of settings, including the woods and a bedroom on the phone. Another scene is shot through a window, and the bridge is dispersed with shots of Sean on a black backdrop. The pendant necklace mentioned in the song's bridge can be seen in the opening. The title of Kennedy's then-unknown fourth album can be found hidden in the center of the rotary phone. A clock set to 4:24 can be seen, which is a reference to the song of the same name.

## Cross-References

* Running away is also mentioned in "This Moment".
* Driving is mentioned in "Another Life", "I Wish You Were Here" and "Serene", among others.
* Stars are mentioned in "I Wish You Were Here".

## Official Versions

* Single Version - 3:51
* Music Video Version - 3:57

## Lyrics

I wonder if you know

I still get butterflies every time I see your face

‘Cause 6 months in

And I have never met somebody else with so much grace

I wonder if you know

I wish we’d slow it down, freeze the moment in my heart

Yeah you’re my home

And I just wanna run away, ‘cause the world is ours

So let’s just drive

Our love’s alive

Could we just stay

In a memory?

Talking till the end of time

‘Cause no one else

Would believe in me

Now I get to call you mine

I like to think

You’ll remember me

Even if the stars don’t shine

So let’s just stay

In a memory

If that’s alright

I wonder if you know

I still get butterflies every time I feel your touch

‘Cause all this time

And I have never met somebody who I’ve loved so much

I wonder if you know

I wish we’d take this day, write it down and keep it safe

You’re where I go

When I just need somebody here, to brighten my day

So let’s just drive

Our love’s alive

Could we just stay

In a memory?

Talking till the end of time

‘Cause no one else

Would believe in me

Now I get to call you mine

I like to think

You’ll remember me

Even if the stars don’t shine

So let’s just stay

In a memory

If that’s alright

You in my t-shirt

I’ll drive your car

We may stray

But we won’t go far

A picture frame that

I hold to my heart

A pendant necklace

A jagged scar

To leave

I remember everything

Could we just stay

In a memory?

Talking till the end of time

‘Cause no one else

Would believe in me

Now I get to call you mine

I like to think

You’ll remember me

Even if the stars don’t shine

So let’s just stay

In a memory

If that’s alright

If that’s alright

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Memory by Sean Kennedy: Rock Era Magazine.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Artist Interview: "Memory" by Sean Kennedy - PopFad.
3. ↑ Sean Kennedy "Memory" Showcases His Musical Versatility And Creativity - ViViPlay.
4. ↑ SeanKennedyOfficial Instagram Teaser.
5. ↑ "Love Never Dies" Teaser Video.
6. ↑ Memory Cover Reveal.
7. ↑ Memory Announcement.
8. ↑ Sean's Post on "Memory" Release Day.
9. ↑ TPJL News Sean Kennedy: Memory.
10. ↑ Sean Kennedy: In Conversation - Mesmerized.
11. ↑ Sean Kennedy - Memory - indiemusicflix.
12. ↑ SEAN KENNEDY - MEMORY - Send Me Your Ears.
13. ↑ *Formula Indie* Programming Times.