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Everlong

"Everlong" is a song by the American rock band Foo Fighters, released in August 1997 as the second single from their second studio album, *The Colour and the Shape*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Everlong" is a song by the American rock band Foo Fighters. It was released in August 1997 as the second single from the band's second studio album, *The Colour and the Shape*. Written by frontman Dave Grohl, the song reached number three on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and on Canada's RPM Rock/Alternative chart, and is widely regarded as one of the band's signature songs.

Background

"Everlong" was written by Dave Grohl and issued in 1997 as the second single from Foo Fighters' second studio album, *The Colour and the Shape*. The song emerged during a difficult period in Grohl's personal life.

Release and chart performance

The song was released in August 1997 and became a commercial and critical success. It reached number three on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and the Canadian RPM Rock/Alternative chart.

Reception and legacy

"Everlong" is frequently cited as one of Foo Fighters' most important songs and is often treated as the band's signature track. It appeared on Rolling Stone's updated 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list in 2021, at number 409.

Interpretation

Accounts of the song's meaning vary, but sources commonly connect it to Grohl's relationship with Louise Post and to a broader feeling of intense emotional connection. Grohl has described it as being about loving someone physically and spiritually and harmonizing perfectly with them.

Key facts

  • "Everlong" was released as the second single from *The Colour and the Shape* in 1997.
  • The song was written by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.
  • It reached number 3 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and the Canadian RPM Rock/Alternative chart.
  • The song is widely regarded as one of Foo Fighters’ signature songs.
  • Rolling Stone ranked it at number 409 on its 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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Canadian context

The song reached number 3 on Canada’s RPM Rock/Alternative chart, giving it a documented Canadian chart presence.[3][4]

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Everlong"?
Dave Grohl wrote "Everlong".
When was "Everlong" released?
It was released in August 1997 as a single.
What album is "Everlong" on?
It appears on Foo Fighters’ second studio album, *The Colour and the Shape*.
How did "Everlong" perform on the charts?
It reached number 3 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and the Canadian RPM Rock/Alternative chart.
What is the song generally about?
Sources link it to intense romantic connection, and some describe it as inspired by Grohl’s relationship with Louise Post during a difficult period in his life.
Is "Everlong" considered a signature Foo Fighters song?
Yes. It is often regarded as one of the band’s signature songs.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everlong
    Supports: Release date, album, chart performance, signature song status, Rolling Stone ranking.
  2. Songfactshttps://www.songfacts.com/facts/foo-fighters/everlong
    Supports: Song meaning, Grohl quote about emotional connection, Taylor Hawkins performance note.
  3. Song Meanings and Factshttps://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/everlong-by-foo-fighters/
    Supports: Release as second single, writers, label release context, chart and certification overview.
  4. Wikipedia (German)https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everlong
    Supports: Release date, album, writer, US certification.
  5. YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rz33wC0fAo
    Supports: Video title indicating a documentary/story segment about the song.