The track embodies the classic Bon Jovi sound, with soaring guitar riffs and hooks that reach rock & roll heights. Isbell, who co-wrote the song with Bon Jovi’s John Shanks, also lends his backing vocals, joining Jon Bon Jovi in the poignant chorus, “Waves/They take me down no one here gonna save me now/Waves/They knock me off my feet/Waves/Now I understand I see her face I see her hand/And she waves then fades away from me.”
In a behind-the-scenes commentary video, Bon Jovi shared that “Waves” explores the theme of holding onto something for too long. He reflects, “A wave will come and push you in and pull you back out. You have to learn to let go. Hold onto the memories for as long as you can, but then move on. The past is there to remind you of what you don’t want to do again — let it go.”
Isbell, a devoted Bon Jovi fan, not only contributed to Forever but also showed his admiration for the band at the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year gala. Dressed in his signature wide-brimmed cowboy hat and long duster coat, Isbell delivered a scorching rendition of the Bon Jovi classic “Wanted Dead or Alive.”
Forever marks Bon Jovi’s 16th studio album, coinciding with the band’s 40th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, a four-part docuseries titled Thank You, Goodnight premiered on Hulu in April, offering fans an intimate look into the band’s journey.