“I Will Remember” by Toto
To cut straight to the chase, this song was written in memory of Jeff Porcaro. Porcaro was one of the founding members of Toto who he died in 1992. He was 38 years old at the time and passed away due to drug issues. And “I Will Remember” was written by another member of Toto who had been there from the beginning, Steve Lukather. Actually it is Steve who sings this particular song. So when the singer states “I will remember you”, succinctly put it is Lukather speaking to the late Porcaro.
Some think “I Will Remember” is about Romance
Considering the way lyrics read in general, many listeners may be compelled to conclude that this song is instead romantic in nature. And this is not due to any fault of their own. The reason being that many pop songs which aren’t about romance have the tendency to sound as if they are. For instance, in this particular track, in regards to his relationship with the addressee, the singer uses “romantic-like” metaphors such as the following:
- “When love breaks the promise”
- “Love has come and gone”
- “How did it end up like this for you and me”
Indeed it is also easy to presume that the person he is talking to and about is still alive.
The utilization of such wording was obviously was done for artistic reasons, in addition to serving the purpose of detailing the state of their relationship. But interpreting them strictly on a surface level can lead to misconstruing the song. For instance, “I Will Remember” can easily be interpreted as being centered on a romance that has fallen apart.
Narrator also has an Issue with the deceased Addressee
But either way, the lyrics do effectively get across that some type of issue exists between the singer and the addressee. Based on the first verse, he seemingly ascribes at least part of this reality to the two of them finding themselves in a generally-challenging social environment. But all lyrics and foreknowledge considered, the situation ultimately boils down to one thing. And this that Steve has some sort of beef with Jeff.
Indeed this may be one of those cases where the singer is actually upset at his friend for having passed away. Such is a common emotion for those who are left behind by loved ones who die prematurely due to their own actions. However, it is also feasible to conclude that the lyrics represent Steve having had some lingering unresolved issue with Jeff. And this issues started from when the latter was still around. And now Lukather is upset that he had never resolved the issue face-to-face with Porcaro while the opportunity actually existed.
Thesis Sentiment of “I Will Remember”
Meanwhile as for the thesis sentiment of the song, that would apparently be one akin to the singer recognizing that as time progresses and relationships ‘come and go’, it is only natural that we forget about certain people from the past. However, he is asserting that the addressee, once again being his late friend and bandmate, is someone whom he will always remember.
Release Date of “I Will Remember”
This track was originally released by Columbia Records in May of 1995. Toto released this as part of their album “Tambu”.
Writing Credits
“I Will Remember” was written by Stan Lynch and Steve Lukather. And the entire band produced the tune along with Elliot Scheiner.
You are wrong about the drug issues. Read the report again.
That’s disrespectful to the legacy of Jeff Porcaro to say he died because of drug issues.
Over the years, many have said that Porcaro’s fatal heart attack was caused by an allergic reaction to pesticide. Some sources have also said drug use was responsible for the heart attack which eventually caused his death in August 1992.
Actually according to the LA County Coroner, Porcaro’s sudden death was as a result of a heart attack which he suffered from an allergic reaction to a pesticide spray which he had used.
I love this song. The video is melancholy and sad. It stars Miguel Ferrer, an actor and one of Luke’s best buddies. Miguel died from cancer in 2016, sadly.
Luke knew Jeff had been having unusually intense arm pain since around 1982. He had bugged Jeff to see a doctor about it, but I haven’t heard or read if he did. Several of his uncles supposedly died early (late 30’s to early 40’s) from cardiac issues.
My take is that the amount of coca-ne found in his blood was very low and the metabolites from it were very small. Either he had taken a medicine that mimics coca-ne, or he still used it in small amounts. Cheap marijuana is sometimes laced with other drugs, so he might have unknowingly consumed it.
They almost all acknowledged too much partying early on, but Jeff had told his wife, Susan, that he had stopped cocaine. Sadly, old habits may have come back to haunt him. Coke and heart problems cause more long-term damage. In addition, pesticides used for gardening can cause weakness and heart failure if it inhaled directly. RIP
It’s a tragedy…
Bobby Kimball used way too much coca-ne. His voice suffered as a result. He lost a lot of his hearing (did he use ear protection?). And now he’s suffering from a fast-progressing dementia.
I think of Mike Porcaro and his ALS – long-term chemical exposure is one theory for the non inherited type. Pesticides, chemical additives in our food and water – who knows. May he RIP.
Steve Porcaro had a benign tumor removed from his brain. The surgery damaged his hearing in one ear.
Fergie Frederickson met an early death due to cancer. RIP
Joseph Williams blew out his voice in the late 1980’s. Thankfully, he is singing wonderfully again. He had taken vocal coaching to help his voice.
Toto is a wonderful band. I’m glad we have the music, but I can’t help feeling a bit emotional about their history. I wish them good health.
Jeff died from Cardiovascular issues that were undetected at the time, not drug use. These two men were like brothers who loved and respected each other the way brothers do. Very sad and heartfelt song by Luke.
Who is the woman at 3:15 on the music video (1995)?
Jenny Douglas-McRae
You obviously don’t get it and/or know very little about Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro.
These guys were like brothers who loved and respected each other.
You want to really note the disrespect here, Jeff’s Wikipedia page briefly said he died from an allergic reaction to inhaled farts. I was shocked that someone would be so immature and stupid to write that in. I screenshot it, so I know it was true. It has since been changed, but it was unbelievably there.