Introduction
Nestled on the 1970 album “Tell It All Brother,” “After All (I Live My Life)” by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition isn’t your typical Kenny Rogers ballad. This track leans more towards the country-rock sound that The First Edition, Rogers’ pre-solo band, was known for.
The song itself has an interesting backstory. Written by Frankie Miller and Jim Doris, “After All (I Live My Life)” wasn’t originally intended for Kenny Rogers. However, after some time apart, The First Edition found themselves reuniting in the late 1960s. It seems the reunion rekindled a creative spark, and the band decided to record new material. “After All (I Live My Life)” fit the bill perfectly, capturing the essence of a rekindled relationship, both romantically and professionally.
The lyrics speak of a couple drawn back together by an undeniable connection. Lines like “Well, here we are again / I guess it must be fate” and “We’d be back to set things straight” paint a picture of a love that can’t be easily extinguished. This theme of second chances resonated with fans, making “After All (I Live My Life)” a standout track on the album.
While the song itself may not have reached the immense popularity of Kenny Rogers’ later solo hits, it holds a special place in the history of The First Edition. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the enduring themes of love and reconciliation. So, press play, and let “After All (I Live My Life)” transport you back to a time of classic country-rock and the undeniable allure of a second chance.